Puyallup's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Puyallup, 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

Puyallup has no local aircraft noise ordinance. Thun Field (Pierce County Airport) generates some general aviation traffic near Puyallup. FAA regulations govern all civil aviation noise. JBLM military operations are federally exempt.

Key details: Local Ordinance: None — FAA governs. Thun Field: General aviation; FAA regulated. JBLM: Military operations federally exempt. Topic: Aircraft Noise.

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 Puyallup lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Quiet Hours

Puyallup regulates noise under PMC Chapter 6.16 (Noise Control), using Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) zones. Residential (Class A) zones have the strictest limits. Right-of-way construction is restricted between 10 PM and 7 AM. General quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM - 7 AM. Residential Limit: 55 dBA daytime / 45 dBA night (WAC 173-60). Enforcement: Complaint-based (non-vehicle). Code: PMC Ch. 6.16.

Civil infraction per day of violation. Motor vehicle noise enforcement does not require a prior complaint.

Construction Hours

Construction in the right-of-way in Puyallup is restricted from 10 PM to 7 AM under PMC 11.05. Emergency work is exempt. Private property construction should comply with general quiet hours (10 PM–7 AM) under PMC Chapter 6.16.

Key details: ROW Construction: Restricted 10 PM - 7 AM. Emergency Work: Exempt from restrictions. Private Construction: Quiet hours 10 PM - 7 AM. Code: PMC 11.05, PMC 6.16.

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.

Barking Dogs

Puyallup prohibits frequent, repetitive, or continuous noise from animals in residential zones that unreasonably disturbs neighbors under PMC Chapter 6.16. Enforcement requires a complaint from an identified affected property owner, renter, or lessee.

Key details: Standard: Frequent/repetitive/continuous sounds. Enforcement: Complaint-based (PMC 6.16). Animal Control: Pierce County / South Sound 911. Topic: Barking Dogs.

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.

The Bottom Line

Puyallup'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 Puyallup is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Puyallup'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.