Living in a bustling city like Pittsburgh, it's important to strike a balance between enjoying the vibrant urban environment and respecting the peace and tranquility of residential neighborhoods. To maintain harmony, the city has implemented noise ordinances that outline specific regulations for controlling excessive noise.
What is a noise ordinance?
Noise ordinances act as a framework to mitigate the negative impact of excessive noise on the quality of life for residents. They help prevent disturbances that could disrupt the peace, hamper sleep, and affect overall well-being.
Pittsburgh Code, Title Nine, Zoning Code, Article IV, Chapter 916, Residential Compatibility Standards Noise Section 916.06
Pittsburgh has implemented noise ordinances that outline specific regulations for controlling excessive noise. Recently, the Pittsburgh City Council passed amendments to the Zoning Code (Title Nine) to provide more current and enforceable noise standards.
5 Key Points to Know About Pittsburgh's Noise Ordinances
(1) General Restrictions
First, understand that Pittsburgh's noise ordinances prohibit any sound that unreasonably disturbs the peace and quiet of residential areas.
According to the amended Section 916.06 of the Zoning Code, no use subject to Residential Compatibility Standards shall generate noise in excess of fifty-five (55) dB(A) or three (3) dB(A) above Background Sound Level, whichever is greater, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., or in excess of sixty-five (65) dB(A) or three (3) dB(A) above Background Sound Level, whichever is greater, at all other times, as measured at the lot line of any lot zoned R1D, R1A, R2, R3, RM, or H.
Violations may result in penalties and fines. So it's important to analyze what the language of Section 916.06 means to better understand your rights when it comes to navigating noise level disputes with neighbors.
(2) Residential Noise Compatibility Standards
Second, note that this limitation applies onto uses of property subject to residential compatibility standards, so in other words we are not talking about commercial properties engaging in loud activities. Since noise is to be measured from the adjacent lot line with a residential zoning designation, commercial property owners also have less standing under this section to file complaints against residential owners for loud activities.
(3) Noise Measurement Requirements
Third, note that the noise is to be measured in decibels from the lot line of the subject property where it adjoins a residential zoning district. Sound level sampling must occur at a point on the property line where the subject property adjoins residentially zoned property. A neighbor or law enforcement officer can take the sampling from any point on that adjoining residential line.
(4) Property Line Sound Measurement
Fourth, remember that a noise concerned neighbor or law enforcement officer is permitted to take the sampling from any point on that adjoining residential line. Property owners concerned about noise levels from their activities should consider centering those activities within the property boundaries so as to prevent one specific point on the property line from experiencing higher decibel levels than other points on the adjacent property line.
(5) Hours of Applicability
Finally, pay special attention to the provision that noise level restrictions in Section 916.06 apply throughout the entire day but with different limits for nighttime and daytime. Starting at 10:00 p.m., Pittsburgh's noise curfew kicks in, lowering the permissible noise level from 65 decibels to 55 decibels.
- Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., noise levels must not exceed fifty-five (55) dB(A) or three (3) dB(A) above the Background Sound Level, whichever is greater.
- During all other times, noise levels must not exceed sixty-five (65) dB(A) or three (3) dB(A) above the Background Sound Level, whichever is greater.
This means that there are specific limits for noise both during the day and at night to ensure residential peace and quiet, with a 55 decibel noise curfew beginning 10:00 p.m.
Chart depicting Pittsburgh's amended noise ordinance
The x-axis represents the Background Sound Level in dB(A). The y-axis represents the Permitted Noise Level in dB(A).
- Two lines are shown:Blue line for daytime limits (6am-10pm)Purple line for nighttime limits (10pm-6am)
The lines start at the fixed limits (55 dB(A) for night, 65 dB(A) for day) and then increase following the "3 dB(A) above Background Sound Level" rule. Reference lines are added at 55 dB(A) and 65 dB(A) to clearly show the fixed limits. The "whichever is greater" clause is visually represented by the lines staying flat until the Background Sound Level + 3 dB(A) exceeds the fixed limit.
Pennsylvania's "nuisance neighbor law"
In addition to noise ordinance described above, Pennsylvania state law can also be used to prevent noise related disruptions.
Title 18, Chapter 65, § 6504
Under Title 18, Chapter 65, § 6504, whoever erects, sets up, establishes, maintains, keeps or continues, or causes to be erected, set up, established, maintained, kept or continued, any public or common nuisance can be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. This means that individuals or businesses responsible for creating or maintaining a nuisance, such as persistent loud noise, can face charges.
Abatement
If a person is convicted of violating the public nuisance ordinance and the nuisance still exists at the time of the conviction and sentencing, the court has the discretion to order the abatement of the nuisance. The court can direct either the defendant or the sheriff of the county, at the defendant's expense, to take action to remove or eliminate the nuisance.
Examples of Noisy Activities
Understanding specific examples of noisy activities can help residents better comprehend and adhere to Pittsburgh's noise ordinances. Here are some common sources of noise and their typical decibel levels:
Residential Construction
Construction activities, including demolition and renovation, can generate significant noise. Typical noise levels for residential construction range from 80 to 90 dB(A). It's important to note that noise levels from such activities must adhere to the ordinance limits of 55 dB(A) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and 65 dB(A) during other times of the day.
Vehicle Noise
Vehicles, especially motorcycles, horns, and loud exhaust systems, can produce excessive noise. Typical noise levels for these sources can range from 70 to 100 dB(A). Vehicle owners must ensure that their vehicles comply with noise emission standards and avoid unnecessary disturbances.
Lawn Equipment
Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other gardening equipment are common sources of residential noise. These devices typically operate at noise levels between 85 to 90 dB(A). Residents should be mindful of operating these tools within the permissible noise levels, particularly during early morning or late evening hours.
Other Amplified Sounds
Amplified sounds, such as those from loudspeakers, public address systems, and musical instruments, can significantly disturb nearby residents. Noise levels for amplified sounds can vary widely but often exceed 80 dB(A). Permits are required for public performances or events to ensure volume levels are controlled.
Modern Solutions for Addressing Noise Concerns:
In addition to traditional dispute resolution methods, technological advancements have brought about innovative solutions to address noise concerns:
Noise Mapping
Utilizing noise sensors and sophisticated software, cities can create noise maps that highlight areas with high noise levels. This data helps policymakers make informed decisions regarding noise mitigation measures.
Noise Recording Apps
Smartphone applications, like NoiseCapture and SoundPrint, allow users to measure noise levels, report disturbances, and collect data to identify patterns of excessive noise. Even a simple iPhone video will often suffice.
How to Handle Noise Complaints
If you experience excessive noise disturbances in your Pittsburgh neighborhood, it's essential to address the issue while maintaining cordial relationships with your neighbors.
Steps to file a noise complaint
Communication
Speak directly to individuals responsible for the noise to make them aware of the problem. In many cases, they may be unaware of the impact of their actions.
Contact Local Authorities
If the issue persists, contact Pittsburgh's non-emergency police line or the local Bureau of Neighborhood Empowerment (BNE). They have the authority to investigate noise complaints and enforce the established noise ordinances.
Dial 311 or 412-255-2621 to report the noise complaint.
Keep these sources of legal authority in mind next time you are in a situation where noise has become an issue, whether you are planning a potentially noisy event at your own home or when neighboring activities disturb your life activities. Knowing your rights and obligations as a Pittsburgh resident when it comes to noise leaves you more prepared to speak with neighbors and law enforcement officials.
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