Seattle, WA
Noise Code
The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Seattle, WA.
Ordinance 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.
Quiet Hours
Weekdays: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM; Weekends and Legal Holidays: 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM.
Police Non-Emergency
(206) 625-5011Decibel Limits
"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."
Measure Noise Levels Instantly
Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Seattle, WA code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
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.
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.
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.
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
Quiet Hours?
Weekdays: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM; Weekends and Legal Holidays: 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM..
Construction?
Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.
Who to call?
Use Non-Emergency Police: (206) 625-5011.
Fines?
Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.
Noise Solutions for Seattle, WA
SolvedBest Gear for Seattle, 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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