Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Noise from Specific Sources

How Lynnwood Handles Noise from Specific Sources: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Lynnwood maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lynnwood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Generator Noise

Lynnwood, Washington's general noise-disturbance ban in LMC 10.12.300(A) covers any noise disturbance citywide, and (B)(2) specifically bars stationary or moving engines and devices so out of repair or overloaded that they create loud, unnecessary grating, squealing, grinding or rattling noise, which reaches a poorly maintained generator.

Key details: General ban: LMC 10.12.300(A) noise disturbance. Engine-specific rule: LMC 10.12.300(B)(2). Residential daytime cap: 55 dBA, Class A to Class A. Nighttime reduction: 10 dBA lower, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.. Enforcing agency: Development and business services dept..

Running a generator or other stationary engine loudly enough to create a noise disturbance, or so out of repair it produces excessive grating, grinding or rattling noise, violates LMC 10.12.300(A) and (B)(2) and is a misdemeanor under LMC 10.12.800, enforced by the development and business services department under LMC 10.12.700(B).

Car Alarm Limits

Lynnwood, Washington makes it a noise disturbance to sound a vehicle horn or other signaling device unreasonably loudly, harshly, or for an unnecessary length of time, under LMC 10.12.300(B)(1). The rule covers automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and transit vehicles on any public street or public place in the city.

Key details: Governing section: LMC 10.12.300(B)(1). Covered devices: Horns, signaling devices. Necessity exception: Warning of actual danger. Enforcing agency: Lynnwood Police Department. Penalty class: Misdemeanor, LMC 10.12.800.

Sounding a vehicle horn, signaling device, or alarm unreasonably loudly, harshly, or for longer than necessary on a public street or public place is a misdemeanor under LMC 10.12.800, enforced by the Lynnwood Police Department under LMC 10.12.700(A) as a violation of LMC 10.12.300(B)(1).

Delivery Truck Noise

Lynnwood, Washington bars idling a truck over 10,000 pounds GVWR, or its auxiliary equipment, for more than 10 minutes an hour within 150 feet of a residential zone between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., under LMC 10.12.300(B)(5). The rule specifically targets overnight heavy-vehicle and delivery-truck noise near homes.

Key details: Weight threshold: Over 10,000 lbs GVWR. Idling limit: 10 minutes per hour. Distance trigger: 150 feet of residential zone. Restricted hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Governing section: LMC 10.12.300(B)(5).

Idling a heavy vehicle over 10,000 pounds GVWR, or its auxiliary equipment, for more than 10 minutes in an hour within 150 feet of a residential zone between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is a misdemeanor under LMC 10.12.800, enforced by the Lynnwood Police Department as a violation of LMC 10.12.300(B)(5).

The Bottom Line

Lynnwood'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 Lynnwood is broadly strict or permissive.

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