Edmonds's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Edmonds, Washington, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Aircraft Noise

Edmonds does not have a local airport. The nearest commercial airports are Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA, ~30 miles south) and Paine Field (PAE, ~10 miles northeast). Aircraft noise is regulated federally by the FAA. No local aircraft noise ordinance applies.

Key details: Local Airport: None within city limits. Nearest Airports: SEA (~30 mi), Paine Field PAE (~10 mi). Regulation: FAA (federal). Local Code: None.

New construction without required sound insulation in airport zones carries stop-work orders and fines of $500–$2,000. Failure to provide real estate noise disclosure results in liability for rescission of sale.

The rules around aircraft noise in Edmonds lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Quiet Hours

Edmonds noise rules are governed by ECC Ch. 5.30, which adopts the WAC 173-60 Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) framework. Residential maintenance and homeowner project noise is exempt between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. (ECC §5.30.110). Nighttime limits (10 p.m.–7 a.m.) are 10 dBA lower than daytime maximums for Class A (residential) receiving properties.

Key details: Daytime Exempt Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. (residential maintenance). Nighttime Reduction: 10 dBA lower than daytime limit (10 p.m.–7 a.m.). Code: ECC Ch. 5.30; WAC 173-60. Enforcement: Complaint-based; Code Enforcement.

Quiet-hours violations are infractions with fines of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense within 12 months, and up to $500 for subsequent offenses. Repeat violations may result in misdemeanor charges.

Barking Dogs

Persistent barking dog complaints are handled under ECC §5.30.130 (public disturbance noises) and ECC Ch. 5.05 (animal control). During nighttime hours, call 911; during daytime, contact animal control at 425-771-0205. Animal control may initiate the abatement process for chronic offenders.

Key details: Code: ECC §5.30.130; ECC Ch. 5.05. Nighttime Complaints: Call 911. Daytime Complaints: Animal control: 425-771-0205. Enforcement: Complaint-based; abatement process available.

First offense results in a written warning. Second offense within 12 months carries a $75 fine. Third and subsequent offenses are $150–$300. Chronic cases may result in animal impoundment.

Construction Hours

Construction noise is exempt from Edmonds noise limits under ECC §5.30.110 on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and federal holidays. Violations are subject to civil penalties.

Key details: Weekday Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.. Saturday Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.. Sunday/Holidays: Prohibited. Code: ECC §5.30.110.

Construction outside permitted hours carries fines of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and up to $1,000 for subsequent violations. Stop-work orders may be issued for repeat offenders.

The Bottom Line

Edmonds's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Edmonds is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Edmonds's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.