Pittsburgh, PA Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

These standards apply to noise from any machinery or equipment that is part of or operated within any development, including continuous and intermittent noise, noise emitted by speaker boxes, pick-up and delivery trucks, and any other commercial or industrial activities that are under the control of the occupant of a building site.

A. Method of Measurement. Noise shall be measured with a sound level meter that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Section S1.4-1983 (R2006), Type 1 or Type 2.) Noise levels shall be measured using an A-Frequency weighting filter. Impact noises, produced when two (2) or more objects strike each other, shall be measured using the fast time-weighting of the sound level meter, and other noises using slow time-weighting. Impact noises shall be considered to be those noises whose peak values are more than three (3) decibels higher than the slow time-weighted noise measurements.

B. Maximum Permitted Sound Levels. The maximum permitted sound pressure levels in decibels across lot lines and district boundaries shall be in accordance with following table. This table shall be used to determine the maximum noise level, measured in A-weighted decibels, that shall be permitted at the property line of the closest use in each of the following categories. Background Sound Level shall mean the measured sound level in the area, exclusive of extraneous sounds and the sound contribution of the specific source in question.