Reading does not adopt industry-specific decibel caps. Industrial and commercial sources fall under the general 'noise disturbance' standard of § 387-103 (audible 50 feet on a public street, or disturbing across a property line). Pennsylvania DEP regulates stationary-source air emissions and some operational standards under 25 Pa. Code Article III, but no state decibel limit exists for stationary sources outside vehicles.
Reading's noise ordinance is functionally identical for industrial, commercial, and residential property: § 387-103 makes any 'noise disturbance' from controlled property unlawful, and § 387-104 lists specific prohibited acts without exempting industrial users. The City does not impose a daytime-vs-nighttime decibel cap (in dBA) for stationary sources, and there is no industrial zoning overlay that sets quantitative noise limits in the Reading Zoning Code (Chapter 600) — instead, the zoning code references the general performance standard that uses shall not 'produce noise audible across a property line.' Pennsylvania has no comprehensive statewide industrial-noise statute. The Pennsylvania DEP regulates stationary-source air pollution (25 Pa. Code Article III, including Chapter 121 General Provisions for Air Quality) but treats noise only narrowly — typically under nuisance theories or as part of operating permits. Industrial loading/unloading is specifically reached by § 387-104(E), which prohibits opening, closing, or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, garbage cans, or building materials between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it disturbs across a residential property line. Loading-dock activities are exempt only when performed by 'municipal or utility services in or about the public right-of-way.' Vehicle and motorcycle repair facilities also fall under § 387-104(J), which prohibits engine testing that disturbs across a residential property line.
Summary citation under § 387-109: $25-$1,000 plus costs, each day a separate offense. PA DEP can take separate enforcement action under 35 P.S. § 4001 et seq. (Air Pollution Control Act) for stationary-source violations tied to permit conditions, and civil injunctive relief is available.
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See how Reading's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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