Scranton, PA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Scranton, PA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Power tool curfew
- 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m., § 317-7A(7)
- Construction curfew (weekdays/Sat)
- 10:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m.
- Construction curfew (Sun/holidays)
- 8:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m.
- Max fine
- $600 per violation
- Max jail
- 30 days
- Enforcement
- Bureau of Police
Summary
Scranton's noise ordinance sets a 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew on outdoor power tools, model vehicles and loading noise in residential areas, and a separate 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. weekday curfew (8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Sundays and holidays) on construction. City Code Ch. 317 caps each violation at $600.
(7) Domestic power tools. (a) Operating or permitting the operation of any mechanically powered mower, saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, snowblower or similar device used outdoors in residential areas so as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4719898; v25 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 317, Noise, adopted 9-24-1997 by Ord. No. 116-1996, sets several overlapping nighttime curfews rather than one blanket rule. the following day; snowblowers are exempt during a declared snow emergency, a one-inch-or-greater snowfall forecast by the National Weather Service, or a personal emergency. window governs powered model vehicles under § 317-7A(6) and sound trucks under § 317-7A(9)(e), and loading, unloading or handling of boxes, crates or containers under § 317-7A(11). on Sundays and holidays, unless the city grants a variance or the work is emergency public-safety work. The Zoning Enforcement Officer doubles as the Noise Control Officer for exceptions; the Bureau of Police handles complaints, investigation and citations for everything else.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of Chapter 317, including breach of these curfew hours, is punishable under § 317-11A by a fine of not more than $600 per violation or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both, with every day the violation continues counted as a separate offense. Enforcement personnel may instead issue an abatement order under § 317-10A giving up to 30 days to comply before a citation issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I have to stop mowing my lawn in Scranton?
Can construction crews work late at night in Scranton?
Is snowblowing exempt from Scranton's nighttime noise curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scranton
How Scranton compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Scranton to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview
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