The Resolution Path
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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Seattle, WA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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).
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