Kennewick's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Kennewick, Washington, there are 5 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.

Decibel Limits

Kennewick's EDNA noise table caps industrial-zone sound crossing a property line at 70 dBA between industrial parcels and 60 dBA into a residential zone, with a nighttime residential cutback and civil penalties up to $500 per day.

Key details: Class C source cap: 70 dBA between industrial parcels. Cap into residential (Class A): 60 dBA at property line. Nighttime residential reduction: 10 dBA less, 8pm-6am. Enforcement: Police Chief & Planning Director. Civil penalty: $25-$500 per day.

Civil penalty of $25-$500 per day set by the Police Chief and Planning Director after a 10-day cure notice; repeated violations are a misdemeanor and the noise itself can be abated as a nuisance under Chapter 9.48.

Vehicle Noise

Kennewick requires working mufflers, bans amplified exhaust and audible car stereos beyond 50 feet, and restricts jake brakes.

Key details: Stereo audibility limit: not audible beyond 50 feet. Bass frequency ban: below 138 Hz, any amount. Exhaust exemption: vehicles 25+ years old. Governing section: KMC § 11.36.120.

Monetary penalties follow the schedule set by court rule under RCW 46.63.110, per KMC § 11.36.120(7); violations are civil infractions.

Quiet Hours

Kennewick's noise ordinance sets a tighter nighttime standard between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.: unreasonable noise that annoys, injures, or endangers others' comfort or safety is a misdemeanor under KMC 9.52.030, with receiving-property noise limits cut by 10 dBA overnight.

Key details: Daytime window: 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.. Nighttime window: 8:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.. Nighttime dBA cut: 10 dBA reduction, Class A zones. Penalty: Misdemeanor charge. Test applied: Unreasonably annoys, injures, endangers others.

Making or continuing unreasonable, unnecessary noise during the 8:00 p.m.-to-6:00 a.m. curfew (or daytime noise that unreasonably annoys or endangers others) is a misdemeanor under KMC 9.52.030, on top of any applicable dBA-limit violation.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Kennewick treats amplified musical instruments, sound systems, and band or social-gathering noise as regulated nuisance noise under KMC 9.52.030(2), and any outdoor musical entertainment expecting 500-plus attendees needs a Chapter 6.47 license with a City-approved sound management plan.

Key details: License trigger: 500+ expected attendees. License type: Class II license. Application deadline: 15 days before the event. Sound plan: Required for noise-impact events. Penalty: $25-$500 plus license action.

Unlicensed outdoor musical entertainment or festival assemblies over 500 people violate KMC 6.47.030 and can bring license denial, suspension, or a $25-$500 penalty under KMC 6.47.100; unpermitted amplified noise is separately a misdemeanor under KMC 9.52.030.

Compared to other cities, Kennewick takes a harder line on amplified music & outdoor sound. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Barking Dogs

Kennewick makes it unlawful for an owner to let a dog or other animal bark, howl, or make noise that's audible off the property for more than five minutes and disturbs a neighbor's peace, health, or safety.

Key details: Noise threshold: Audible off-property 5+ minutes. Violation type: Civil infraction, not criminal. First offense fine: $50 plus costs. Enforcement: Kennewick Animal Control / Poundmaster.

A violation is a civil infraction: $50 minimum for a first offense within five years, $100 second, $200 third, $400 fourth or more, plus court costs and assessments (KMC 8.02.360).

The Bottom Line

Kennewick'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 Kennewick is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Kennewick's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.