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Horsham adopts Chapter 153 noise ordinance establishing quiet hours and decibel limits
Summary
Horsham Township adopted a comprehensive noise ordinance (new Chapter 153) after a public hearing; the measure sets a plainly audible nighttime standard, daytime decibel/LEQ limits by district and gives police authority to enforce with certified sound meters.
Horsham Township council voted unanimously to adopt a new noise ordinance that establishes quiet hours, measurement standards and penalties under a proposed Chapter 153 of the township code.
Township solicitor John Waco summarized the measure at the public hearing as “the most comprehensive noise ordinance that any municipality in the area will have,” saying it uses a plainly audible standard during quiet hours and daytime average LEQ decibel thresholds tied to residential and nonresidential districts. Waco said the ordinance specifies measurement locations and allows police to use a certified Type 2 sound level meter to document violations.
Council members thanked staff for incorporating resident feedback. One council member noted the ordinance covers the entire township (about 17.3 square miles and roughly 27,000 residents) and acknowledged it will not address every neighborhood-level concern immediately but can be amended later. Council also discussed outreach to let residents know about the new rules, including a fall newsletter entry and social-media posts.
The council noted the ordinance will take effect immediately if adopted tonight because of a previously approved charter amendment; staff and police will need a few days to be briefed and trained on enforcement procedures. The motion to adopt passed by unanimous roll-call vote.
