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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Spokane, WA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 10.70.070 references 'Maximum Permissible Environmental Sound Levels', and commercial noise is subject to these, but specific decibel values are not detailed in available snippets. Sounds plainly audible across a property line or 50 feet from the source (whichever is less) are prohibited at all times for public disturbance noises."
AI Executive Summary
Spokane, WA noise ordinances, primarily outlined in Chapter 10.70 of the Spokane Municipal Code, generally prohibit public disturbance noises between 10 PM and 7 AM, though live music and DJ systems have restrictions at all hours. Noise must not be plainly audible across a property line or beyond certain distances. Violations can lead to penalties.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
General construction/demolition hours are not explicitly stated within the provided Spokane City municipal code snippets. Spokane Valley (a separate jurisdiction) mentions 'exceeding allowed hours of operation or producing excessive noise' for construction.
Amplified Sound
Noise restrictions apply at all hours to live music and DJ systems. Sound, whether amplified or unamplified, on public property or a public right-of-way, that is plainly audible one hundred feet or more from the source between 7 AM and 10 PM is unlawful.
Animals
For animal noise, including barking dogs, contact SCRAPS at 509-477-2532. Roosters and peacocks are not permitted within city limits, unless in a residential agricultural zone.
Vehicles
Every motor vehicle must have a muffler in good working order to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Modifying an exhaust system to amplify or increase noise above that emitted by the originally installed muffler is unlawful. Washington State Administrative Code (WAC 173-62-030) details maximum permissible sound levels for vehicle exhaust systems, tested at 50 feet and 20 inches, with different standards for motorcycles, cars, and light trucks.
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