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Lancaster County, PA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Quiet hours in Lancaster County, PA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.

Key Facts

County rule
None; municipality sets hours
Lancaster City night hours
9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Manheim Borough (Sun-Thu)
10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Standard used
Plainly audible across property line
Municipalities in county
60 separate codes

Summary

Lancaster County sets no countywide quiet hours. Each of the 60 municipalities does. Lancaster City bars amplified sound that is plainly audible across a property line between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.; other townships and boroughs set their own night hours.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lancaster County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

At any time in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a property line (boundary), or between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. so as to be plainly audible across a property line (boundary).

View official code

Full Breakdown

Pennsylvania counties do not do land-use or nuisance-noise regulation. Under the PA Municipalities Planning Code, noise is a local matter, so your city, borough, or township writes the quiet hours. In the City of Lancaster, Chapter 198 prohibits operating any radio, TV, sound amplifier, or similar device between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. so as to be plainly audible across a property line. The Borough of Manheim uses 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. (Sunday-Thursday) and 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. (Friday-Saturday). Check your own municipality's code, since hours differ across all 60.

Violations & Fines

Lancaster City fines start at $150 for a first offense (up to $1,000); Manheim Borough fines run $50-$600 plus prosecution costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lancaster County have a countywide quiet-hours law?
No. PA counties do not regulate residential noise. Your municipality sets quiet hours under the state Municipalities Planning Code. Contact your city, borough, or township office.
What are Lancaster City's night hours?
Chapter 198 bars amplified sound plainly audible across a property line between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Construction hours end at 9:00 p.m.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lancaster County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Lancaster County rules

How Lancaster County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Lancaster County to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview

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