Seattle, WA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Seattle, WA?
| Regulation | Details for Seattle, WA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM weekdays, 10PM-9AM weekends/holidays |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (206) 625-5011 |
Weekdays: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM; Weekends and Legal Holidays: 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Seattle, WA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Seattle, WA?
Seattle, WA noise ordinances, primarily Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.08, prohibit excessive sound to protect public health and welfare. Quiet hours are generally 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM on weekends/holidays, with lower decibel limits for residential areas at night. Specific rules apply to construction, amplified sound, and animal noise, with penalties up to $500 and potential jail time for violations.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 55 dBA | 45 dBA |
| Commercial | 57-65 dBA (depending on source district) | 47-55 dBA (10 dBA reduction from daytime) |
Note: Limits are based on the Leq during the measurement interval. Nighttime limits are reduced by 10 dBA in residential districts. A 5 dBA reduction applies for pure tone components. Lmax may exceed limits by no more than 15 dBA.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General construction noise is permitted 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM on weekdays, and 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM on weekends and legal holidays. Impact construction (e.g., pile driving, jackhammers) is limited to 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on weekends and legal holidays. For multifamily and neighborhood commercial zones, construction hours are 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM on weekends and legal holidays.
- Amplified Sound:
Unlawful if plainly audible inside a receiving dwelling unit between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM from non-residential property. Public disturbance noise from portable or motor vehicle audio equipment is unlawful if clearly heard from 75 feet away in park areas, residential/commercial zones, or near schools/human service facilities.
- Animals:
Unlawful for animals to make loud, raucous, frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds that disturb another, especially if the owner refuses to cease the noise when ordered by an animal control officer. Barking dogs should be reported to the Seattle Animal Shelter.
- Vehicles:
Sound from a motor vehicle's sound system is unlawful if clearly heard from 75 feet away. Non-emergency squealing or screeching of tires is unlawful. Decibel limits for vehicles on public highways defer to state law (WAC 173-62-030).
Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle, WA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Seattle, WA?
Weekdays: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM; Weekends and Legal Holidays: 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Seattle, WA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dBA during the day and 45 dBA 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 Seattle, WA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Seattle, WA police non-emergency line at (206) 625-5011. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (206) 615-0808 (SDCI Construction & Inspections Violation Complaint Line).