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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
Need a quick answer?
Default quiet hours: 21:00-08:00 (amplified devices in the public right-of-way abutting residential).
Weekends/holidays: 21:00-08:00
Construction weekdays: 07:00-20:00 (Regular Construction).
Construction weekends: 08:00-20:00 (Regular Construction; legal holidays same).
Philadelphia regulates residential noise by background level and bans amplified devices in the public right-of-way near residences between 21:00-08:00. See the Noise Code.
Residential quiet hours
21:00-08:00 (amplified devices in the public right-of-way abutting residential).
Weekends & holidays: 21:00-08:00
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-20:00 (Regular Construction).
Weekends: 08:00-20:00 (Regular Construction; legal holidays same).
Lawn equipment
08:00-20:00 (when equipment is within manufacturer specs and sound-reducing gear is used).
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
From residential properties: prohibited if audible over 100 ft from the property boundary or >3 dB above background beyond the boundary. In the public right-of-way abutting residential, amplified devices are prohibited 21:00-08:00.
Typical fines
$100-$700 (escalates with repeat violations within 12 months).
First offense: ~$100 (varies by case)
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via 311 (Air Management Services) or Police for residential/party noise.. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/report-a-health-or-safety-concern/report-air-and-noise-pollution/ or call 311 (Air Management Services) or Police for residential/party noise.. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi neighbor - Philly limits amplified sound in the right-of-way near homes after 9 p.m., and residential noise can't carry past 100 ft. Could you turn it down this evening?
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we're experiencing noise that appears to exceed Philadelphia's Chapter 10-400 standards (audible over 100 ft / over background). Could you contact the tenant to resolve this?
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Philadelphia Code Chapter 10-400 - Noise and Excessive Vibration
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Use 311 to route air/noise issues to the Health Department; call police if the source is a party or active disturbance.
- For construction, note whether the work is within 'regular construction' hours (7-20 weekdays, 8-20 weekends/holidays).
- Measure from your property boundary; the Code uses background-level comparisons rather than fixed dB numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.