Construction hours in Pittsburgh, PA — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Pittsburgh permits construction noise audible at residential property between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Saturdays. Sunday and holiday construction near residences is prohibited absent a PLI special permit. Heavy equipment beyond 70 dBA at the property line requires additional noise mitigation.
Pittsburgh construction noise is regulated under Chapter 601 §601.07 of the City Code in conjunction with permits issued by the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI). Construction, demolition, alteration, or repair work audible at residential property is restricted to Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–9:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM. Sundays and city-observed legal holidays are off-limits within hearing distance of any residential receiver unless the contractor obtains a special permit from PLI (typical reasons: utility emergencies, traffic-restricted highway work, or projects requiring continuous concrete pours).
The ordinance caps construction noise at 70 dBA when measured at the property line of a residential receiver during permitted hours. Power tools, jackhammers, and impact equipment exceeding this threshold require engineered mitigation (sound blankets, equipment enclosures, modified scheduling). The PLI permit placard posted on every site lists the contractor, permit number, approved working hours, and any special conditions.
Residents file complaints through 311. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police can issue summary citations for after-hours work, and PLI can issue Stop-Work Orders for repeated violations or refusal to comply with mitigation conditions.
First citation: $300. Repeat within 12 months: $500–$1,000 per occurrence. PLI Stop-Work Orders halt the project until compliance. Refusal to comply with sound-mitigation conditions can trigger permit revocation and additional Class III administrative penalties.
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