Construction hours in Allentown, PA — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Article 710.03(E)(1) bars construction, drilling, and demolition tools between 9:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. on weekdays and Saturdays, and at any time on Sundays or holidays, where the noise crosses a residential property boundary. At permitted times, no source may exceed 85 dBA at the boundary without a variance.
Allentown's construction-noise rule is Article 710.03(E)(1) of the Noise Control ordinance (Chapter 400). It makes it a noise disturbance to operate or permit 'the operation of any tools or equipment used in construction, drilling, or demolition work' (a) 'Between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. the following day on weekdays and Saturdays or at any time on Sundays or holidays' such that the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, except for emergency work; or (b) 'At any other time such that the sound level at or across a real property boundary exceeds 85 dB(A) unless a variance is obtained pursuant to Section 710.05(B).' 'Construction Operation' is defined in 710.01 as erection, repair, renovation, demolition or removal of any building or structure and related excavation, filling, grading and lot regulation. Domestic power tools are handled separately under 710.03(C)(9), which bars outdoor saws, drills, sanders, grinders and lawn/garden tools in residential areas between 9:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. (snow blowers exempt). Variances for off-hours or above-85 dBA construction are obtained from the Bureau of Health/Hearing Board under Section 710.05(B).
$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)). Each day may be a separate offense; the Bureau of Health or Police may also issue an abatement order under 710.99(B).
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