Williamsburg

Pennsylvania

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Ordinance #407 Noise Regulation

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Overview

The Borough of Williamsburg, Blair County, Pennsylvania, has enacted Ordinance No. 407 to regulate noise levels that may disturb the peace. This ordinance establishes specific prohibitions regarding noise disturbances, outlines exemptions for emergency and municipal activities, and defines penalties for violations.

Key Regulations

The ordinance prohibits any noise disturbance within the borough limits, defined as noise that endangers safety/health, annoys a reasonable person, or jeopardizes property value. Specific prohibited activities include:

  • Audio Devices: Operating radios, televisions, CD players, Bluetooth speakers, or musical instruments in a manner that causes a noise disturbance.
  • Loading Operations: Loading, unloading, or handling boxes/crates in a residential district between 9:30 p. m. and 6:00 a. m.
  • Construction Noise: Operating commercial construction equipment with tampered sound control devices, or operating such equipment during restricted hours (9:30 p. m. to 6:00 a. m. on weekdays/Saturdays; 9:30 p. m. Saturday to 8:00 a. m. Sunday).
  • Power Equipment: Using power saws, sanders, drills, or garden tools outdoors in residential districts during restricted hours (same as construction noise).

Exemptions

The following sources are exempt from these prohibitions:

  • Safety signals, warning devices, and emergency sirens (police/fire/ambulance).
  • Noise from the provision, repair, or maintenance of municipal facilities and public utilities.
  • Bells, chimes, and carillons used for religious purposes, national celebrations, or existing clock strike mechanisms.
  • Appliances and household power tools used for normal purposes (implied by context of "in use").

Penalties

Violations are classified as public nuisances. The penalties for offenses occurring within a 120-day period are:

  • First Offense: Fine of $100 to $600.
  • Second Offense: Fine of $200 to $600.
  • Third Offense: Fine of $200 to $600.
  • Fourth and Subsequent Offenses: Fine of $300 to $600.
  • Jail Time: Up to 30 days for failure to pay fines.

Effective Date

This ordinance was enacted on June 6, 2022, and is effective immediately. It repeals Section 5 of Ordinance Number 157 but does not repeal the Williamsburg Borough Animal Ordinance (Ordinance Number 391).

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