Amplified music rules in Reading, PA β also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances β set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Amplified music, loudspeakers, radios, drums, and similar sound devices are governed by Β§ 387-104(A) of Reading's noise code. They may not create a 'noise disturbance' across a property line at any time, and they may not be 'plainly audible' across a property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The 50-foot public-street audibility rule also applies. Permitted parades and events are exempt.
Section 387-104(A) prohibits operating any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical equipment, disc or tape player, loudspeaker, or similar amplifying device 'at any time in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a property line,' or 'between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so as to be plainly audible across a property line,' or 'audible on a public street for a distance of 50 feet from the place or origin of such sound or noise.' Sub-paragraphs cover three contexts: stationary residential use, devices operated in or on a motor vehicle or hand-carried on a public right-of-way, and use by passengers on common carriers. Exemptions in Β§ 387-107 cover stationary electronically amplified announcements at athletic, political, and civic events; band concerts, block parties, and church carnivals (provided they end by 10 p.m. and required permits are obtained); school programs and non-amplified public activities; and special permits granted by the Chief of Police under Β§ 387-107(H). Bars and restaurants with amplified music must additionally meet conditional-use or special-exception requirements under the Reading zoning code (Chapter 600). Because amplified speech can carry First Amendment weight, Reading's content-neutral time-and-manner approach mirrors what survives review under Ward v. Rock Against Racism (1989) and Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015).
Summary citation under Β§ 387-109: $25-$1,000 plus costs per offense, each day a separate violation. Police may also seize equipment as evidence and require the operator to cease the activity immediately.
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