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Step 1 of 3Kent, WA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Decibel limits are measured at the receiving property boundary. Nighttime limits (10 PM - 7 AM) for Class A (residential) receiving properties are reduced by 10 dBA. Temporary exceedances are allowed: 5 dBA for 15 min/hour, 10 dBA for 5 min/hour, or 15 dBA for 1.5 min/hour."
AI Executive Summary
Kent, WA noise ordinances, primarily found in Chapter 8.05 of the City Code, establish maximum permissible environmental noise levels based on land use (residential, commercial, industrial). These decibel limits are reduced by 10 dBA for residential receiving properties between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Various exemptions apply, including temporary residential maintenance and emergency work. Violations can result in civil penalties and abatement actions.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Sound from temporary projects for residential home, ground, and appurtenance maintenance or repair is generally exempt between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.. King County guidelines, which Kent may follow for general construction, suggest: Heavy equipment (7 AM - 7 PM weekdays, 9 AM - 7 PM weekends); Impact equipment (8 AM - 5 PM weekdays, 9 AM - 5 PM weekends); All other construction (7 AM - 10 PM weekdays, 9 AM - 8 PM weekends).
Amplified Sound
Playing radios, stereos, musical instruments, or other electronic sound-producing devices at any volume that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons is unlawful. In the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, outdoor amplified sound is permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
Animals
Roosters are not specifically regulated but are considered a violation if their crowing disturbs neighbors. Wild or exotic animals are prohibited.
Vehicles
The sounding of horns or signal devices is restricted to danger signals; creating unreasonably loud or harsh sounds or sounding for an unnecessary period is unlawful. King County defers to state law (WAC 173-62-030) for vehicle decibel limits on public highways. Mufflers cannot be removed or made inoperative. Non-emergency squealing of tires is unlawful.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Kent protect residents from noise?
55 dB day / 45 dB night
Extensive coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Kent, WA?
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Kent's quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (for residential receiving properties, decibel limits are reduced by 10 dBA). During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
What are the noise decibel limits in Kent?
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Kent's residential noise limits: 55 dBA (residential source), 57 dBA (commercial source), 60 dBA (industrial source) dB(A) during the day and 45 dBA (residential source), 47 dBA (commercial source), 50 dBA (industrial source) dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow 57 dBA (residential source), 60 dBA (commercial source), 65 dBA (industrial source). Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Kent?
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Call the Kent police non-emergency line at 253-852-2121. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 253-856-5409. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Kent?
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Kent's noise violation penalties: Violations of the Noise Control Ordinance constitute civil violations under Chapter 1.04 KCC, subject to monetary penalties and abatement requirements. Repeat violations or failure to abate may lead to criminal misdemeanor charges. State law (RCW 70A.20.050) also imposes civil penalties up to $100 for WAC violations, and motor vehicle noise violations are misdemeanors (RCW 70A.20.070).. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Kent?
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Kent's rules: Roosters are not specifically regulated but are considered a violation if their crowing disturbs neighbors. Wild or exotic animals are prohibited.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 253-852-2121 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Kent?
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Kent's construction noise rules: Sound from temporary projects for residential home, ground, and appurtenance maintenance or repair is generally exempt between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.. King County guidelines, which Kent may follow for general construction, suggest: Heavy equipment (7 AM - 7 PM weekdays, 9 AM - 7 PM weekends); Impact equipment (8 AM - 5 PM weekdays, 9 AM - 5 PM weekends); All other construction (7 AM - 10 PM weekdays, 9 AM - 8 PM weekends).. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Kent?
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Yes. Kent's ordinance: Playing radios, stereos, musical instruments, or other electronic sound-producing devices at any volume that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons is unlawful. In the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, outdoor amplified sound is permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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