How Spokane Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Spokane maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Spokane falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Aircraft Noise

Aircraft noise from Spokane International Airport (GEG) and Felts Field is preempted by federal FAA rules. Spokane International has a voluntary noise abatement program with preferred runway use and departure procedures.

Key details: Airport: Spokane International (GEG). GA Airport: Felts Field (SFF). Preemption: Federal ANCA 1990. Program: Voluntary noise abatement. Complaints: Airport authority.

None at the local level. FAA jurisdiction only for aircraft operations.

Spokane is more permissive than most cities when it comes to aircraft noise. That said, there are still limits.

Amplified Music & Events

Spokane prohibits amplified sound that disturbs neighbors under SMC 10.08A, the public disturbance noise provisions. Outdoor events over 100 attendees typically require a special event permit with sound limits.

Key details: Code: SMC 10.08A.030. Standard: Audible from neighbor. Event Permit: Required over 100 people. Car Stereo: 50-foot audibility rule. Event Cutoff: Typically 10 PM.

Typical fine 250 dollars per occurrence. Equipment may be subject to abatement if violations continue. Business licenses can be affected for repeat commercial violators.

Industrial Noise

Commercial noise in Spokane must comply with WAC 173-60 EDNA limits based on the receiving property class. Commercial-to-residential sound cannot exceed 60 dBA day or 50 dBA night at the residential property line.

Key details: Day Limit: 60 dBA at residence. Night Limit: 50 dBA at residence. Code: WAC 173-60-040. Night Loading: 10 PM to 7 AM restricted. Dual Enforcement: City and Ecology.

First violation typically warning or 250 dollars. Continued violations may result in business license review and require noise mitigation plans.

Vehicle Noise

Spokane enforces vehicle noise under SMC 16A.61 (traffic) and state RCW 46.37.390 muffler requirements. Modified exhausts, engine braking, and loud stereos in vehicles are common citations.

Key details: State Law: RCW 46.37.390 mufflers. Stereo Rule: Audible 50 feet. dBA Threshold: 95 dBA at 20 inches. Jake Brakes: Restricted on posted routes. Enforcement: SPD and WSP.

Muffler violation is a traffic infraction, typically 136 dollars. Sound amplification infraction is around 124 dollars. Repeat offenses may require vehicle inspection.

Leaf Blower Rules

Spokane has no gas leaf blower ban. Operation is limited to general noise hours (typically 7 AM to 10 PM) under SMC 10.08. Unlike some Western WA cities, Spokane has not adopted equipment-specific restrictions.

Key details: Gas Ban: None. Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM. Code: SMC 10.08 general noise. State Exemption: WAC 173-60-050 daytime. HOA Rules: May be stricter.

No equipment-specific fines. Use outside 7 AM to 10 PM window may be cited under general noise provisions, typically 100 to 250 dollars.

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

Quiet Hours

Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 10.08 sets quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM in residential zones. RCW 70A.20 and WAC 173-60 set background state limits of 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night for residential receiving properties.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM. Code: SMC Chapter 10.08. State Limit: 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night. Enforcement: Spokane Police complaint-based. State Law: RCW 70A.20 / WAC 173-60.

Civil infraction under SMC 10.08; base penalty around 250 dollars for first offense, escalating with repeat violations. Chronic disturbance can result in misdemeanor charges.

Construction Hours

Spokane permits construction noise generally 7 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and weekends in residential zones. WAC 173-60 exempts temporary construction activity from EDNA limits during daytime hours.

Key details: Weekday Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM. Weekend Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM. State Rule: WAC 173-60-050 exemption. Variance: Required for off-hours work. Local Code: SMC 10.08.

Construction outside permitted hours is a civil infraction; fines typically 250 to 1000 dollars per occurrence. Repeat violators may have permits suspended.

Barking Dogs

Spokane treats chronic barking as a public nuisance under SMC 10.08 and SMC 10.04 (animal control). SpokAnimal, under contract with the city, handles enforcement with warnings escalating to fines.

Key details: Agency: SpokAnimal C.A.R.E.. Threshold: 10 min continuous / 30 min intermittent. Code: SMC 10.04 animal control. First Step: Written warning. Escalation: Fines plus nuisance designation.

Initial warning, followed by infractions typically starting at 100 to 250 dollars. Repeat violations can exceed 500 dollars and may result in nuisance animal designation.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Spokane gives residents more room on noise ordinances. 2 of the 8 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.

Keep in mind that Spokane can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.