Abington, PA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 106-3.L of the noise ordinance moves from the manner-and-volume standards used elsewhere in Chapter 106 to a numeric decibel test for air-conditioning and other mechanical equipment. It makes it unlawful to operate air-conditioning equipment or any other mechanical equipment or apparatus attached to premises so as to make excessive noise causing annoyance, inconvenience or detriment, and defines excessive specifically by zoning district under the Township of Abington's Zoning Ordinance: 55 decibels in recreation-conservation and residence districts, 70 decibels in PI Planned Industrial Districts, and 60 decibels in all other zoning district classes.

A 2012 amendment, added by Ordinance No. 2031, created a separate, higher allowance for backup power: permanently installed emergency generators supplying electrical power to dwelling units within residential zoning districts may operate up to 75 decibels, measured at the closest property line, but the maintenance test cycle for those generators is restricted to weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and the generators may not be installed in a front yard setback area. Paragraph (2) of subsection L gives a compliance path once a violation is measured: if a test shows air-conditioning or mechanical equipment exceeds these limits, operation must stop immediately, though the Abington Health Department may grant an extension of up to 30 days to bring the equipment into compliance.

Measurements are taken under § 106-4's procedure, using a calibrated sound-level meter meeting American Standards Association specifications, at the property line five feet above ground, excluding traffic, aircraft and other background transportation noise unless that background interferes with the measurement itself.