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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.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Spokane protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Standard coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Spokane, WA?
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Spokane's quiet hours: 10PM-7AM. 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 Spokane?
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Spokane's residential noise limits: Not specified dB(A) during the day and Not specified dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Spokane?
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Call the Spokane police non-emergency line at 509-456-2233 (Crime Check). For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 311 or 509-755-2489 (outside city limits). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Spokane?
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Spokane's noise violation penalties: Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 10.70.140 is titled 'Violation – Penalty'. However, the specific details of fines or other penalties are not available in the provided search results. It is unlawful to knowingly cause or permit a public disturbance noise and refuse or intentionally fail to cease the noise when ordered by a law enforcement officer.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Spokane?
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Spokane's rules: 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.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 509-477-2532 (SCRAPS) or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Spokane?
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Spokane's construction noise rules: 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.. 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 Spokane?
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Yes. Spokane's ordinance: 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.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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