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This post is contributed by Steve Poorman, Director of Area Operations.
The Importance of Knowing Your Local Noise Ordinance

Standing Stone serves many apartment complexes and fraternity houses that support student housing at Penn State.  Within the Borough, there are various ordinances in place to help ensure safe and peaceful living conditions.  One of those ordinances; § 5-103. Unlawful Noise Prohibited. [Ord. 1460, 1/19/1995, Section 3; amended by Ord. 1987, 4/16/2012], relates to the amount of noise that is produced from a property. 

In short, the ordinance requires that noise emanating from each residence or vehicle does not disturb others.  So how do we know if the noise we are making reaches levels restricted by law?  Here are the parameters as set by State College Borough: 

  • The playing of music where the volume is: (a) Plainly audible beyond the property line  
  • Plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle in which it is generated 
  • Plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from its location on public property or private property open to the general public.  
  • Causing or has caused vibrations with a bass within a dwelling unit or within a vehicle other than the unit or vehicle from which it is/was generated.  
  • Continuous or repeated yelling, shouting, loud whistling, or loud singing by being plainly audible to persons within any dwelling other than that from which it originates.  
  • Animal and bird noises.  
  • The blowing of any amplified or electronic whistles, vuvuzelas, air horns or sirens, except to give notice of the time to begin or stop work or as a warning of fire or other danger.  
  • Loading, unloading, opening or otherwise handling boxes, crates, containers or similar objects between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance within a residential district, except during an emergency.  
  • Construction Noise. 
  • Power Equipment use between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. weekdays and Saturdays and between 9:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays, in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance.  
  • Explosives, Firearms, Fireworks, or Similar Devices.  
  • Devices to attract attention. The continuous or repeated use of any drum, loudspeaker, amplifier, or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention.  
  • Other excessive noise. 

So, what are the potential penalties for infractions of the noise ordinance?   Well, to start with you may receive a minimum $750.00 fine from the Borough for the first offense.  Additional offenses are even more!  Your property manager may have additional consequences up to and including eviction. In addition, the property owners will receive points from the Borough.  These points can accumulate to a level where the property is shut down and those living there must relocate.  Finally, the noise will likely create relationship issues with your neighbors. 

Remember that the noise ordinance is in place for everyone’s good and that following the guidelines helps maintain a peaceable community.