This week’s question (Have your own? Submit it here.):

I recently moved from a less dense area into the city. And I am truly inquiring, what is the etiquette around noise when living in an apartment in Philly — especially noise from the bedroom? My apartment is part of a semi-detached house and while it is pretty soundproof, you can still hear loud conversations, music, and thus, I assume, certain adult activities. I want to be a good neighbor and courteous and have my fun. What’s the range of acceptability?

Beatrice Forman, Food & Dining Reporter

Philly law does not require that you to go to fourth base in silence just for the sake of your neighbors. But I do think there’s a limit to what your neighbors should be expected to hear.

Zoe Greenberg, Life & Culture Reporter

As with many things, there is a continuum.

I would like to begin with my experience with a drummer in West Philadelphia. He was practicing the drums, for hours a day, from his uninsulated, un-soundproofed West Philadelphia rowhouse. I found that went beyond the normal bounds of acceptable noise in the city.

Beatrice Forman

Well, was he talented? I feel like that’s an important distinction. You should not be practicing your musical craft for hours on end if you are a beginner at best.

Zoe Greenberg

I think even the most talented drummer needs to be drumming from a basement with soundproofing.

But, living in a city, some noise is to be expected. And especially if you don’t have roommates, the amount of noise allowed is higher.

Beatrice Forman

It’s about the hours of noise. No big sounds before it’s reasonable to be awake in the morning or after primetime TV used to conclude, aka 10 p.m.

It’s also a courtesy thing. The metric I go by is solely based off what I would and wouldn’t mind hearing and when. A little Taylor Swift while spring cleaning on a Sunday afternoon? I don’t mind. Moans and groans at 7 a.m. when I’m trying to peacefully sip my coffee? Jailable offense.

Zoe Greenberg

Bea, I agree. In fact, it looks like Philly tries to limit “noise and excessive vibration” due to degrading the environment of the city.

We need to consider appropriate hours of operation.

Beatrice Forman

I know noise pollution is a thing, but a whole city ordinance dedicated to literally tone policing neighbors feels a little extreme.

Zoe Greenberg

Is it tone policing or noise policing in this case?

Beatrice Forman

Stop poking holes in my word play!

Zoe Greenberg

Haha ok ok. So keep it to business hours, but don’t make a whole city regulation about it?

No calling the police on your neighbors having sex.

Beatrice Forman

Yes! Or loud conversations. As someone who grew up in a noisy family, it was very jarring to have neighbors call the cops on us just because the folks next door heard raised voices. There’s a line of mindfulness on both sides.

Zoe Greenberg

Definitely don’t do that. Talk to your neighbors if there’s a big issue. Although talking to neighbors about certain noises could become uncomfortable.

Beatrice Forman

Don’t tattle about noises unless you’ve exhausted the options of trying to work it out yourselves first.

People hate a nosy neighbor more than a noisy one, trust.

Zoe Greenberg

Your point about mindfulness is right. Living in a city requires acting with grace and extending grace to those around you.