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

If you live in Seattle or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Seattle has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Barking Dogs

SMC 25.08.500 prohibits loud, raucous, frequent, repetitive, or continuous animal noises. No specific time restriction — the standard is whether it disturbs neighbors and is continuous. Animals may be impounded for repeat violations. Report to Seattle Animal Shelter.

Key details: Code: SMC 25.08.500. Standard: Frequent, repetitive, or continuous noise prohibited. Impoundment: Possible for repeat violations. Report To: Seattle Animal Shelter.

Animal code violation: $50 to $150 fine. Repeat violations up to $500. Noise disturbance citation: $150 to $1,000.

Quiet Hours

Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.08 prohibits excessive noise. Nighttime quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM weekdays and 10 PM–9 AM on weekends and legal holidays. Nighttime noise limits are reduced 10 dBA from daytime levels in residential districts.

Key details: Code: SMC Chapter 25.08. Quiet Hours (Weekday): 10 PM–7 AM. Quiet Hours (Weekend/Holiday): 10 PM–9 AM. Fine: $150–$1,000 (1st offense); doubled thereafter.

1st violation: $150–$1,000. Subsequent violations: doubled fines.

Construction Hours

Under SMC 25.08, construction is permitted 7 AM–7 PM on weekdays and 9 AM–7 PM on weekends and legal holidays. Construction noise may not exceed 75 dBA. SDCI enforces; violations may result in stop-work orders.

Key details: Code: SMC 25.08. Weekday Hours: 7 AM–7 PM. Weekend/Holiday Hours: 9 AM–7 PM. Max dBA: 75 dBA. Enforcement: SDCI, (206) 615-0808; stop-work orders possible.

Noise violation citation: $150 to $1,000 first offense. Fines double for subsequent violations. Stop-work order possible for persistent violations.

Aircraft Noise

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is south of Seattle city limits; Boeing Field (BFI) is within city limits. FAA preempts local aircraft noise regulation. Seattle works with FAA and Port of Seattle on noise abatement procedures.

Key details: Local Airport: Boeing Field (BFI) within city limits. Regional Airport: SEA (south of city, Port of Seattle). Authority: FAA preempts local aircraft noise rules. Noise Abatement: Managed via FAA/Port of Seattle programs.

No local enforcement over aircraft noise due to federal FAA preemption. Complaints filed through Port of Seattle at (206) 787-6793 or planenoise.com/ksea.

The Bottom Line

Seattle'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 Seattle is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Seattle's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.