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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
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Default quiet hours: 22:00-07:00 (citywide nighttime period for residential receiving premises)
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-07:00
Construction weekdays: 06:00-20:00 (general construction with valid permits; impact equipment 08:00-18:00 Mon-Sat)
Construction weekends: 07:00-20:00 (general); impact equipment limited to 08:00-18:00 on Saturdays; Sundays by general hours only
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Pittsburgh regulates sound both in the Public Order Code (§601.04) and the Zoning Code (Chapter 917). Residential receiving premises have limits of 65 dBA (day) and 55 dBA (night), or 3 dB above background, whichever is greater; amplified devices and plainly audible sound at ≥75 ft are also restricted. See §601.04 Noise Control and construction hour rules in §917.06 Construction Operations.
Residential quiet hours
22:00-07:00 (citywide nighttime period for residential receiving premises)
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-07:00
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
06:00-20:00 (general construction with valid permits; impact equipment 08:00-18:00 Mon-Sat)
Weekends: 07:00-20:00 (general); impact equipment limited to 08:00-18:00 on Saturdays; Sundays by general hours only
Lawn equipment
07:00-22:00 (exempt when used within this window)
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Noise that enters a residential property and exceeds Table A/B limits or is clearly audible at ≥75 ft is prohibited; includes vehicle audio and portable amplifiers.
Typical fines
General violations up to $300 plus costs; specific sections (e.g., amplified sound from vehicles) include mandatory fines ($150 first offense; $300 second if first unpaid)
First offense: ~$150 (varies by case)
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Pittsburgh 311 for non-emergency noise; call 911 for active disturbances. 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.pittsburghpa.gov/Resident-Services/311 or call Pittsburgh 311 for non-emergency noise; call 911 for active disturbances. 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 — Pittsburgh’s quiet hours run roughly 10 p.m.–7 a.m., and sound that carries 75+ ft or exceeds the code limits isn’t allowed. Could you lower the volume this evening? Thanks for understanding.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we’re experiencing recurring noise that appears to exceed Pittsburgh’s §601.04 limits (or is plainly audible at 75+ ft) during quiet hours. Would you contact the tenant to resolve this? I can share my 311 ticket number if helpful.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- For construction, note whether the work uses impact equipment (stricter 08:00-18:00, Mon-Sat).
- Measurements are taken at the residential receiving premises (or property line) and compared to background when applicable.
- Include dates/times, short clips, and distance estimates; submit through 311 and reference your ticket on follow-ups.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.