Harrisburg, PA
Noise Code

Construction or repair activities are declared noise disturbances, but exemptions exist for work necessary to preserve life or property during prohibited hours if a permit is obtained within one day after the City Engineer's office opens.

The operation of sound trucks or other amplifying devices for advertising on public highways is prohibited. Use of radios, stereos, loudspeakers, or other sound-producing devices plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the source in residential or nonresidential areas, or 75 feet in Liquor Control Board exempted areas, is a violation on public streets. Pennsylvania state law permits licensed establishments to play amplified music up to 75 decibels between 10 AM and 9 PM (Sun-Thurs) and 10 AM and midnight (Fri-Sat), but Harrisburg has an exempted area where its local ordinance applies.

Keeping or harboring any animal that creates excessive noise, such as frequent and habitual barking, howling, screeching, yelping, or baying, which disturbs the quiet of any person or the community, is declared a nuisance.

Using or operating vehicle radios and other amplified music in a manner that creates a noise disturbance or is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the source is prohibited. Automobile horns are prohibited except when used as a safety device. Pennsylvania state regulations also specify vehicular noise limits in decibels.