Bellingham, WA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Bellingham, WA?
| Regulation | Details for Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (360) 676-6911 |
10PM-7AM (general, reduced dBA limits); 10PM-7AM (construction weekdays); 8PM-9AM (construction weekends/holidays)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Bellingham, WA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham, WA noise ordinances, primarily BMC 10.24.120 and WAC 173-60, prohibit public disturbance noise. This includes excessive construction sounds in residential areas from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays, and 8 PM to 9 AM on weekends/holidays. Decibel limits for residential zones are 60 dBA (day) and 50 dBA (night). Animal and amplified vehicle/portable sounds are also restricted, with fines up to $250 for first offenses.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 60 dBA | 50 dBA (10PM-7AM) |
| Commercial | 65 dBA | 65 dBA |
Note: Bellingham has adopted the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) environmental noise regulations (WAC 173-60). These limits apply to noise originating from a Class C (industrial) site to Class A (residential) or Class B (commercial) receivers. Noise limitations are reduced by 10 dBA between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM for receiving properties within Class A areas. At any hour, applicable noise limitations may be exceeded by 5 dBA for 15 minutes, 10 dBA for 5 minutes, or 15 dBA for 1.5 minutes in any 1-hour period. Traffic noise and train noise are exempt from Ecology's environmental noise limitations.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction and industrial noises, including motorized construction and equipment operation, hammering, blasting, drilling, and sawing in residentially zoned areas, are considered public disturbance noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, if they unreasonably disturb others. Exceptions apply for emergencies or if the city council grants a variance.
- Amplified Sound:
Frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds emanating from any building, structure, apartment, or condominium, such as musical instruments, audio sound systems, or band sessions, which unreasonably disturb the peace, comfort, and repose of others are prohibited. Sound from portable audio equipment (e.g., tape players, radios, compact disc players) operated at a volume audible greater than 50 feet from the source and outside the operator's property is a public disturbance noise. Operating a motor vehicle audio sound system at a volume audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle is unlawful.
- Animals:
It is unlawful to harbor or keep a dog that by frequent or habitual howls, barks, or other loud noises, unreasonably annoys or disturbs another resident in the immediate neighborhood. The ordinance has been extended to include roosters, turkeys, and peacocks.
- Vehicles:
Frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle, or internal combustion engine within a residentially zoned area, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, and repose of others, are public disturbance noises. Operating a horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle in a frequent, repetitive, or continuous manner, except as a warning of danger or as legally permitted/required, is unlawful. The City of Bellingham does not have a specific noise ordinance regarding traffic noise, adopting WAC 173-60 which exempts it. Train horns are federally regulated, with a maximum volume of 110 dBA and a minimum of 96 dBA.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bellingham, WA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Bellingham, WA?
10PM-7AM (general, reduced dBA limits); 10PM-7AM (construction weekdays); 8PM-9AM (construction weekends/holidays). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Bellingham, WA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 60 dBA during the day and 50 dBA (10PM-7AM) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Bellingham, WA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Bellingham, WA police non-emergency line at (360) 676-6911. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (360) 778-8800 (for noise violations reported to Police Department Code Enforcement).