Auburn's Noise from Specific Sources: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise from specific sources a little differently. In Auburn, 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.

Car Alarm Limits

Sounding a car horn or alarm siren repeatedly or continuously in Auburn violates ACC 8.28.010(B)(1) unless it warns of danger or is otherwise required by law. The rule is part of the city's public disturbance noise ordinance and carries a civil penalty starting at $250, doubling on a second offense within two years and becoming a misdemeanor on a third.

Key details: Covered sound: Horn/siren attached to motor vehicle. Exception: Danger warnings, legally required signals. 1st penalty: Up to $250 civil penalty. Repeat penalty (2 yrs): Up to $500 civil penalty. 3+ violations/12 mo: Misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010.

A first car-alarm or horn violation under ACC 8.28.010(B)(1) draws a civil penalty of up to $250 under ACC 8.28.020. A second violation within a two-year period at the same location rises to $500, and a third or later violation within a 12-month period is prosecuted as a misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010 rather than a civil penalty.

Generator Noise

Running a generator or other internal combustion engine in an Auburn residential district violates ACC 8.28.010(B)(2) if it creates frequent, repetitive or continuous sound that unreasonably disturbs neighbors' peace and comfort. The rule covers starting, operating, repairing, rebuilding or testing the engine, with civil penalties starting at $250 and a misdemeanor after repeat violations.

Key details: Covered equipment: Any internal combustion engine. Where it applies: Residential districts. Standard: Frequent/repetitive/continuous, unreasonable disturbance. Related yard-tool hours: Before 7am/after 10pm weekdays, (B)(9). 1st penalty: Up to $250 civil penalty.

A generator noise violation under ACC 8.28.010(B)(2) draws a civil penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for a second within a two-year period under ACC 8.28.020. Three or more violations at the same address within 12 months are prosecuted as a misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

Auburn's noise ordinance makes it unlawful for frequent, repetitive or continuous sound from music, audio systems, band sessions or social gatherings inside any building to disturb neighbors' peace and comfort. ACC 8.28.010(B)(4) covers bars and nightclubs directly. A first violation carries up to a $250 civil penalty, rising to $500 and eventually a misdemeanor.

Key details: Covered sources: Music, audio systems, band sessions. Standard: Unreasonably disturbs neighbors' peace/comfort. 1st penalty: Up to $250 civil penalty. 2nd penalty (2 yrs): Up to $500 civil penalty. 3rd violation: Misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010.

A bar or nightclub found to violate ACC 8.28.010(B)(4) faces a civil penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for a repeat offense inside a two-year window under ACC 8.28.020. A third violation at the same location within 12 months is charged as a misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010 rather than a civil infraction.

Delivery Truck Noise

Auburn treats ongoing engine, horn, hydraulic or air-brake sounds from delivery trucks near residential property as a public disturbance noise under ACC 8.28.010(B)(10) when they disturb two or more neighbors, especially between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays or 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Sundays. Nighttime truck noise is presumed unlawful unless caused by an emergency.

Key details: Distance threshold: Audible more than 25 feet away. Trigger: Disturbs 2+ neighbors, different addresses. Weekday presumption hours: 10 p.m.-7 a.m.. Sunday presumption hours: 10 p.m.-9 a.m.. Rebuttal: Only unforeseen emergency circumstances.

A delivery-truck noise violation under ACC 8.28.010(B)(10) carries the same penalty ladder as the rest of Chapter 8.28: up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for a repeat offense within two years under ACC 8.28.020, rising to a misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010 after three violations at the same location within 12 months.

The Bottom Line

Auburn's noise from specific sources 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 Auburn is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Auburn'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.