Bellingham, WA
Noise Code
The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Bellingham, WA.
Ordinance Summary
Bellingham, WA noise ordinances, primarily BMC 10.24.120 and WAC 173-60, prohibit public disturbance noise. This includes excessive construction sounds in residential areas from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays, and 8 PM to 9 AM on weekends/holidays. Decibel limits for residential zones are 60 dBA (day) and 50 dBA (night). Animal and amplified vehicle/portable sounds are also restricted, with fines up to $250 for first offenses.
Quiet Hours
10PM-7AM (general, reduced dBA limits); 10PM-7AM (construction weekdays); 8PM-9AM (construction weekends/holidays)
Police Non-Emergency
(360) 676-6911Decibel Limits
"Bellingham has adopted the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) environmental noise regulations (WAC 173-60). These limits apply to noise originating from a Class C (industrial) site to Class A (residential) or Class B (commercial) receivers. Noise limitations are reduced by 10 dBA between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM for receiving properties within Class A areas. At any hour, applicable noise limitations may be exceeded by 5 dBA for 15 minutes, 10 dBA for 5 minutes, or 15 dBA for 1.5 minutes in any 1-hour period. Traffic noise and train noise are exempt from Ecology's environmental noise limitations."
Measure Noise Levels Instantly
Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Bellingham, WA code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction and industrial noises, including motorized construction and equipment operation, hammering, blasting, drilling, and sawing in residentially zoned areas, are considered public disturbance noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, if they unreasonably disturb others. Exceptions apply for emergencies or if the city council grants a variance.
Frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds emanating from any building, structure, apartment, or condominium, such as musical instruments, audio sound systems, or band sessions, which unreasonably disturb the peace, comfort, and repose of others are prohibited. Sound from portable audio equipment (e.g., tape players, radios, compact disc players) operated at a volume audible greater than 50 feet from the source and outside the operator's property is a public disturbance noise. Operating a motor vehicle audio sound system at a volume audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle is unlawful.
It is unlawful to harbor or keep a dog that by frequent or habitual howls, barks, or other loud noises, unreasonably annoys or disturbs another resident in the immediate neighborhood. The ordinance has been extended to include roosters, turkeys, and peacocks.
Frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle, or internal combustion engine within a residentially zoned area, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, and repose of others, are public disturbance noises. Operating a horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle in a frequent, repetitive, or continuous manner, except as a warning of danger or as legally permitted/required, is unlawful. The City of Bellingham does not have a specific noise ordinance regarding traffic noise, adopting WAC 173-60 which exempts it. Train horns are federally regulated, with a maximum volume of 110 dBA and a minimum of 96 dBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiet Hours?
10PM-7AM (general, reduced dBA limits); 10PM-7AM (construction weekdays); 8PM-9AM (construction weekends/holidays).
Construction?
Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.
Who to call?
Use Non-Emergency Police: (360) 676-6911.
Fines?
Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.
Noise Solutions for Bellingham, WA
SolvedBest Gear for Bellingham, WA Residents
Ultrasonic Bark Control
Humane deterrent that emits a high-frequency sound when it detects barking.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
The "gold standard" for sleeping. Reduces noise by 24dB without the pain of foam plugs.
1/2" Thick Rug Pad
Essential for the "80% Rule." Adds density to rugs to absorb footfall impact noise for downstairs neighbors.
Hemp Calming Chews
Natural relief for dog anxiety. Perfect for separation anxiety barking or fear of fireworks.
ThunderShirt for Dogs
The best solution for anxiety-induced barking (fireworks, thunder, separation).
Marpac Dohm Classic
The original fan-based machine. Unlike digital loops, this creates real rushing air sound.
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