Pittsburgh, PA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Outside exempt hours
- Must meet Table A noise limits
- Daytime residential limit
- 65 dB(A) at property line
- Nighttime residential limit
- 55 dB(A) at property line
- Max penalty
- $300 fine, up to 30 days jail
Summary
Leaf blowers and other lawn care equipment are exempt from Pittsburgh's noise limits only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; use outside those hours must meet the city's decibel limits.
Exemptions. A person shall be exempt from this section provided that:
(1) The noise is being generated to request assistance or warn of a hazardous situation; or
(2) The noise emanates from an authorized emergency vehicle or a vehicle operated by a gas, electric, communication or water utility; or
(3) The noise emanates from a bell, chime or similar device used by a school or religious institution; or
(4) The noise emanates from lawn care and other household maintenance equipment and tools used between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; or
(5) The noise is being generated by construction activities properly permitted in the City of Pittsburgh; or
(6) The noise is in connection with a parade, or "special event" (as described in Section 601.04(b) above) that is being conducted under a parade or special event permit issued by the City and is otherwise in compliance with the applicable sections of the Pittsburgh Code provided that the maximum allowable noise level in the applicable subsection is not exceeded between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;
(7) The noise is being generated by the crowd at a sporting event or other event being conducted pursuant to a permit issued by the City; or
(8) The noise is being generated from the engine of a motor vehicle that is subject to regulation exclusively by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in PA Code Title 67 Transportation and Title 75 Vehicles; or
(g) (Reserved)
(h)
Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh's noise ordinance exempts lawn care and household maintenance equipment -- including leaf blowers, mowers, and trimmers -- from the city's noise limits, but only when operated between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Run one outside that window and the blanket exemption disappears: the noise must then meet Table A's residential limits of 65 dB(A) by day or 55 dB(A) at night measured at the property line, or avoid being clearly audible from 75 feet. Pittsburgh Police enforce complaints under City Code Section 601.04, and violations carry a fine of up to $300 plus costs, with possible jail time of up to 30 days for nonpayment.
Violations & Fines
Operating outside 7 a.m.-10 p.m. exposes the noise to Table A's residential limits; violations carry up to a $300 fine plus costs, or up to 30 days in jail for nonpayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a leaf blower before 7 a.m. in Pittsburgh?
Does the exemption cover all leaf blower noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
How Pittsburgh compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview
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Leaf Blower Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle leaf blower rules.