Allentown, PA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Allentown, PA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Allentown Art. 710.03(C)(1), (C)(4), (E)(2)
- Core rule
- No amplified sound audible across a property boundary, any hour
- Loudspeaker/PA curfew
- 10 P.M.-7 A.M. on public ways
- Entertainment venue cap
- 90 dB(A) unless warning sign posted
- Liquor premises (state)
- 47 P.S. section 4-493 / Act 67 of 2022 (75 dBA at line)
Summary
Article 710.03(C)(1) makes it a noise disturbance to operate any radio, stereo, instrument, or sound amplifier at any time so as to be audible across a real property boundary, and 710.03(C)(4) bars loudspeakers and public-address systems on public rights-of-way between 10 P.M. and 7 A.M. Public-entertainment venues are capped at 90 dBA.
1. Radios, Tape Players, Television Sets, Musical Instruments, Electronic Amplification, Equipment and Similar Devices: Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, automobile radio, automobile stereo or high fidelity equipment or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound: a. At any time of the day in such a manner from any source as to create a noise disturbance across a real property boundary; ... 4. Loudspeakers/Public Address Systems: Using or operating any loudspeaker, public address system, or similar device: a. Such that sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a real property boundary, or b. Between the hours of 10 P.M. and 7 A.M., the following day on a public right-of-way or public space.
Full Breakdown
03(C)(1), which prohibits 'operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, automobile radio, automobile stereo or high fidelity equipment or similar device' so as to create a noise disturbance across a real property boundary 'at any time of the day,' across a boundary when operated in or on a motor vehicle on a public right-of-way, or audible to others on a common carrier. Several special zones, West Park, Trexler Park, the Rose Garden, the Arts Park, Trout Hall grounds, and the downtown area bounded by West Linden and West Walnut Streets from North 4th to North 12th Streets, require earplugs/earphones at all times.
' on a public right-of-way or public space. 03(E)(3) limits outdoor band concerts, block parties, carnivals and fairs to 10 dB(A) over Table 1 and to ten occasions per location per year. section 4-493) generally bars sound audible beyond the property line, with Act 67 of 2022 allowing up to 75 dB(A) at the property line outside Philadelphia and Pittsburgh during set hours.
Violations & Fines
$100 violation ticket per offense (Article 710.99(A)(7)); summary conviction fine $100 to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days (710.99(A)(9)). Public-entertainment venues over 90 dBA without a posted warning sign also violate 710.03(E)(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music audible to my neighbor in the afternoon?
Are there places where headphones are required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allentown
Compare Allentown to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview
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