Noise from Specific Sources in Edmonds, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Edmonds or are thinking about moving there, noise from specific sources are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Edmonds has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise from specific sources, and some of them might surprise you.

Car Alarm Limits

Edmonds bans frequent or repetitive horn or siren noise from a motor vehicle, including a triggered car alarm, as a public disturbance noise under ECC 5.30.130(A), unless the sound is a danger warning or otherwise legally required.

Key details: Governing section: ECC 5.30.130(A). Covers: Frequent/repetitive vehicle horn or siren sound. Exception: Danger warnings or legally required signals. First offense fine: $100.00 civil infraction. Third offense: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and 90 days jail.

First offense: civil infraction, $100.00 fine (ECC 5.30.150(A)). Second offense within one calendar year: civil infraction, $250.00 fine (ECC 5.30.150(B)). Third offense within one calendar year: misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail (ECC 5.30.150(C)). Danger-warning horn sounds and legally required signals are exempt under ECC 5.30.130(A).

Generator Noise

Edmonds exempts emergency generator noise from its general noise ordinance while running during an actual power outage, but confines routine manufacturer-required testing to construction hours under ECC 5.30.100(A)(9) and ECC 5.30.110(B).

Key details: Exemption section: ECC 5.30.100(A)(9). Outage use: Fully exempt during actual power outage. Testing hours limit: Cross-references ECC 5.30.110(B). Allowed testing window: Weekdays 7am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm. Excluded days: Sundays and federal holidays.

Generator noise outside the outage exemption and outside the ECC 5.30.110(B) testing window (weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., no Sundays or federal holidays) is subject to the chapter's standard sound-level limits and penalty schedule: $100.00 first offense, $250.00 second offense within a year, and a misdemeanor up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail on a third offense (ECC 5.30.150).

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

The Bottom Line

Edmonds'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 Edmonds is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Edmonds 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.