Bethlehem has not adopted a leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Gas and electric blowers are governed only by the general unnecessary-noise rule in Section 717.01(a)(2) and the analogous construction-hours window of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. No decibel cap or motor-type restriction applies.
Unlike Philadelphia (Bill 230634-A, gas-blower phase-out adopted 2024) and a handful of Pennsylvania municipalities, Bethlehem's Codified Ordinances contain no leaf-blower-specific provision. Operative rules are the general nuisance prohibition in Section 717.01(a)(2) (no sound annoying a reasonable person) and the construction-and-improvements window in Section 717.01(b)(5), which on its face covers construction, drilling or demolition between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Landscaping equipment is not expressly listed, so blowers are governed by the general nuisance rule and the Article 705.01 disorderly-conduct provision if neighbors are disturbed.
Operation that annoys a reasonable person violates Section 717.01(a)(2): $50-$100 first, $100-$300 second, $500 or 30 days for third. Pre-6 a.m. or post-9 p.m. operation may also be charged under Section 705.01 disorderly conduct (Section 705.99 penalties).
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