Philadelphia STR guests are subject to the same noise rules as all residents under Phila. Code Title 10, Chapter 10-400 (Noise and Excessive Vibration). Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM in residential districts. Limited Lodging hosts under §14-604(13) are also required to ensure their STR use does not 'alter the residential character' of the building, and Bill 220754 makes the host responsible for guest violations. Repeat noise complaints can trigger license review by L&I.
Philadelphia does not have an STR-specific noise ordinance. Instead, STR guests must comply with the citywide noise ordinance in Phila. Code §10-403 (Prohibited Conduct). Sound that is plainly audible at the property line during 10 PM to 7 AM is presumptively unreasonable in residential zoning districts, and amplified sound, loud music, parties, and shouting that disturbs neighbors is prohibited at any hour. Construction-style noise is restricted to 7 AM-8 PM weekdays and 8 AM-8 PM weekends. Beyond the general noise code, STR hosts face two additional layers: (1) Phila. Code §14-604(13)(g) requires that limited lodging 'shall not alter the residential character of the building or surrounding neighborhood,' which the Department of Licenses and Inspections interprets to include preventing recurring noise disturbances; (2) Bill No. 220754 (2024 STR reform) makes the licensed operator legally responsible for guest conduct, meaning the host — not just the guest — can be cited for noise violations originating at the rental. Hosts are required to provide guests with House Rules including the 10 PM quiet-hours expectation, and the Limited Lodging FAQ (PZ_003) recommends posting a 24/7 contact number guests and neighbors can call. Police respond to active noise complaints via 911 or 311; complaints are tracked against the property's license file.
Noise ordinance violations under §10-403: $100 first offense, $300 second, up to $2,000 for repeated commercial violations. STR-specific 'residential character' violations under §14-604(13): Notice of Violation from L&I, $300/day civil penalty, and possible non-renewal of the Limited Lodging Operator License at the next annual renewal. Three or more substantiated complaints in a 12-month period can trigger a 'nuisance property' designation and license revocation hearing.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia regulates on-street parking through the Philadelphia Parking Authority under Phila. Code Title 12. Residential Permit Parking (RPP) districts re...
Philadelphia, PA
Although Pennsylvania Act 43 of 2017 (and Act 74 of 2022) legalized consumer fireworks statewide, Philadelphia's Fire Code imposes some of the strictest loca...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Title 4 PM Code requires property maintenance but does not address orn...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through L+I...
See how Philadelphia's noise rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.