Quiet hours in Pittsburgh, PA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Pittsburgh enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM under Title VI, Chapter 601 of the City Code. Maximum sound at a residential property line is 60 dBA during daytime and 50 dBA at night. Continuous unreasonable noise is prohibited at any time of day.
Pittsburgh's noise control law is codified at Title VI, Chapter 601 of the City Code (originally Ordinance No. 28 of 1972, substantially amended in 2008). The ordinance sets maximum sound levels measured at the receiving property line: 60 dBA daytime / 50 dBA nighttime for residential receivers, and 65 / 60 dBA for commercial. Nighttime is defined as 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM Monday through Friday and 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM weekends and holidays.
In addition to decibel limits, Chapter 601 contains a "plainly audible" standard: sound from a stereo, motor vehicle, or party that is plainly audible at 50 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM is per se a violation, without requiring a decibel meter. Continuous unreasonable noise — frequent dog barking, repeated shouting, loud HVAC equipment — is prohibited at any hour and may be cited as a public nuisance.
Enforcement is shared between the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (immediate response) and the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) Environmental Services Unit (chronic and measurement-based complaints). Residents file complaints through 311 (call 311 or use the city's 311 app).
First offense: $300 fine. Second offense within 12 months: $500. Third and subsequent: $1,000 plus potential summary citation prosecutable in Magisterial District Court. Continuing violations are charged per day. Commercial establishments risk amplified-entertainment permit suspension.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Allegheny County.
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