Noise Ordinances in Redmond, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Redmond or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Redmond has 9 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Leaf Blower Rules

Redmond does not ban gas leaf blowers, but restricts their use to daytime hours under RMC 6.32. Residential yard equipment is permitted between 7 AM and 10 PM without exceeding noise limits.

Key details: Allowed Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM daily. Gas Ban: No citywide ban. Rebates: Electric via King County. Code: RMC 6.32.

Use outside permitted hours: civil infraction starting around $100. Commercial use on Sundays may result in a stop-work order.

Redmond is more permissive than most cities when it comes to leaf blower rules. That said, there are still limits.

Amplified Music & Events

Amplified music audible beyond 75 feet or across property lines is a public disturbance under RMC 6.32. Downtown Park events require a special event permit from the city to exceed standard noise limits.

Key details: Threshold: Audible at 75 feet. Event Permit: Required for amplified. Hotspots: Downtown, Marymoor. Code: RMC 6.32.

First offense: written warning. Subsequent: civil fines of $100 to $500 per incident and possible revocation of special event permits.

Industrial Noise

Industrial-source noise received in Redmond residential areas may not exceed 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime under RMC 6.32 and WAC 173-60. Overlake and SE Redmond industrial zones are monitored.

Key details: Day Limit: 60 dBA at residential. Night Limit: 50 dBA at residential. Tonal Penalty: 5 dBA added. Code: RMC 6.32 / WAC 173-60.

Civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per day of violation. Continued violations may trigger compliance orders requiring sound mitigation or equipment replacement.

Outdoor Music

Outdoor music events in Redmond require a special event permit when amplified. Venues like Marymoor Park and Redmond Downtown Park have set curfews, typically 10 PM, under RMC 6.32 and park rules.

Key details: Curfew: 10 PM weeknights. Weekend End: 10:30 PM Fri-Sat. Permit: Required if amplified. Venues: Marymoor, Downtown Park.

Exceeding permit conditions: event may be shut down immediately. Civil penalties of $500 per violation plus permit revocation for future events.

Decibel Limits

Redmond decibel limits follow WAC 173-60 EDNA tiers: 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night for residential, 60 and 55 for commercial, 70 all hours for industrial. Enforced under RMC 6.32.

Key details: Residential Day: 55 dBA. Residential Night: 45 dBA. Industrial All Hours: 70 dBA to industrial. Meter: ANSI Type 1 or 2.

Civil infraction starting at $250 per violation. Chronic commercial or industrial violators face compliance orders and potential permit review.

Construction Hours

Redmond permits construction 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM Saturdays under RMC 6.32. No construction on Sundays or legal holidays without a special variance from the city.

Key details: Weekdays: 7 AM - 7 PM. Saturday: 9 AM - 6 PM. Sunday/Holiday: Prohibited. Code: RMC 6.32.

After-hours construction: civil infraction with fines starting at $250. Repeat violations can trigger stop-work orders from Redmond Planning and Community Development.

Aircraft Noise

Aircraft noise over Redmond is federally preempted by the FAA and is not enforceable under RMC. Residents impacted by Sea-Tac, Boeing Field, and Paine Field flight paths may file noise complaints with each airport.

Key details: Authority: FAA (federal preemption). Airports Affecting: SEA, BFI, PAE, RNT. Local Rule: None (overflight). Code: 14 CFR Part 91.

Aircraft overflight complaints are not citable by Redmond. Only ground operations below taxi or run-up thresholds may be referenced under FAA-delegated agreements.

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

Barking Dogs

Redmond treats habitual barking as a public nuisance under RMC 6.32 and King County Code Title 11. Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) investigates complaints and issues citations.

Key details: Enforcement: King County Animal Services. Threshold: 15+ min continuous. Documentation: Log required. Code: KCC 11.04 / RMC 6.32.

First complaint: written warning. Second complaint: civil penalty around $50. Continued: escalating fines up to $500 and possible nuisance animal designation.

Quiet Hours

Redmond enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under RMC 6.32, mirroring WAC 173-60. Residential night limit is 45 dBA; daytime limit is 55 dBA from another residential source.

Key details: Night Hours: 10 PM - 7 AM. Day Limit: 55 dBA residential. Night Limit: 45 dBA residential. Code: RMC 6.32 / WAC 173-60.

Civil infraction with base fines starting at $100 and escalating with repeat offenses. Chronic violators may face misdemeanor charges under RMC 6.32.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Redmond gives residents more room on noise ordinances. 2 of the 9 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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