Proposed Ordinance Notice

Proposed Ordinance

BOROUGH OF WYOMING

LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ORDINANCE NO. ____ OF 2026

AN ORDINANCE TO PROMOTE THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE BY REGULATING EXCESSIVE, UNNECESSARY, OR UNREASONABLE NOISE THAT INTERFERES WITH PEACE, COMFORT, AND ENJOYMENT OF PROPERTY WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF WYOMING, ENFORCEMENT AND EXCEPTIONS TO THE ORDINANCE, AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

ALL PRIOR ORDINANCES SHALL BE REPEALED THAT ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH HEREIN.

BE IT ENACTED AND ORDAINED, by the Council of Wyoming, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, it is hereby enacted and ordained by the Authority of the same, as follows:

This Article may be cited as “The Excessive Noise Ordinance of the Borough of Wyoming,” hereinafter referred to as the “Noise Ordinance”.

§ A1-1. Definitions.                                                                       

§ A1-2. General Prohibition.                                                     

§ A1-3. Specific Prohibited Acts                                                                  

§ A1-4. Exemptions                                                          

§ A1-5. Enforcement, Warnings and Repeat Offenses

§ A1-6 Penalties                                                                      

§ A1-7 Severability

§ A1-8 Repealer                       

§ A1-9 Effective Date     

§ A1-1 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

  • Borough: The Borough of Wyoming, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
  • Person: Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other legal entity.
  • Noise: Any sound that is loud, excessive, or unreasonable under the circumstances and that disturbs the reasonable use and enjoyment of property.
  • Quiet Hours: The hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

§ A1-2 GENERAL PROHIBITION

No person shall make, cause, or permit to be made any loud, excessive, or unreasonable noise within the Borough that disturbs the peace, comfort, or repose of others.

§ A1-3 SPECIFIC PROHIBITED ACTS

The following acts are declared to be violations of this Ordinance unless otherwise exempt:

A. Amplified Sound

The use of radios, televisions, musical instruments, sound amplifiers, bullhorns, or similar devices at a volume plainly audible beyond the property line during Quiet Hours.

B. Yelling and Shouting

Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on public or private property during Quiet Hours so as to disturb others.

C. Construction Noise

Construction, demolition, excavation, or repair work between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except for emergency work.

D. Motor Vehicles

The operation of motor vehicles in a manner that creates excessive or unnecessary noise, including amplified sound systems, alarms, or modified exhaust systems.

E. Animals

Allowing any animal to create frequent or prolonged noise that disturbs neighboring residents.

§ A1-4 EXEMPTIONS

This Ordinance shall not apply to:

  1. Emergency services or emergency work.
  2. Fireworks permitted by law and authorized by the Borough (use of fireworks at a private residence is not considered an exemption).
  3. Borough-approved public events or activities.
  4. Church bells or similar religious signals; and
  5. Snow removal or public works equipment during weather events.

§ A1-5 ENFORCEMENT, WARNINGS, AND REPEAT OFFENSES

This Ordinance shall be enforced by the Wyoming Area Regional Police Department or other authorized Borough officials.

At the discretion of the Wyoming Area Regional Police Department, a warning may be issued in lieu of a citation for a first or minor violation. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to require the issuance of a warning prior to the filing of a citation.

Any person who violates this Ordinance more than once within a twelve (12) month period may be cited without warning for subsequent violations. In determining enforcement action, officers may consider the nature, frequency, and severity of prior violations.

Each violation shall constitute a separate offense, and each day a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.

§ A1-6 PENALTIES

Any person who violates this Ordinance shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to the following penalties:

  • First offense: A fine of not less than $100.00, plus court costs.
  • Second or subsequent offense within twelve (12) months: A fine of not less than $250.00, plus court costs.
  • in default of payment of this fine and costs to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days
  • Each day that a violation continues or each Section of this Ordinance which shall be found to have been violated, shall constitute a separate offense.

§ A1-7 SEVERABILITY

If any section, clause, or provision of this Ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

§ A1-8 REPEALER

All prior ordinances or parts of ordinances of the Borough of Wyoming that regulate noise, sound, disturbances, or similar subject matter, including any inconsistent or overlapping provisions, are hereby repealed in their entirety.

§ A1-9 EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall take effect on the date of the signing below.

DULY ADOPTED, on this ________ day of ___________________, 2026, by The Council members of The Borough of Wyoming, duly assembled in a Regular Monthly Meeting. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

                                                                        THE BOROUGH OF WYOMING

ATTEST:___________________________  BY: ______________________________________

Borough Manager                                             Michael Baloga, Council President

BOROUGH SEAL