Noise Ordinances in Vancouver, WA (2026)
6 verified noise ordinances for Vancouver, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Vancouver, Washington measures noise at the property line of the receiving property and caps it with Table 20.450.040-1, a grid of maximum levels from 55 dBA to 70 dBA that depends on whether the noise source and the receiving property are residential, commercial or industrial. Between 10 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. every table limit drops by ten decibels. Outdoor construction is confined to 7 a.m. through 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Vancouver, WA Quiet Hours and Property Line Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsVancouver Municipal Code § 20.450.040(C)(1)
Environmental Noise. Unless otherwise exempted by WAC 173-60-050, no development or use may create noise impacts, measured at the property line of the receiving property that exceed the maximum environmental noise levels established by WAC 173-60-050 listed in Table 20.450.040-1 below. ... such as in a Mixed-Use Building Type, the more restrictive standard shall apply. ... TABLE 20.450.040-1. M...
Construction Hours
Outdoor construction in Vancouver, Washington, including construction staging, must happen no earlier than 7 a.m. and no later than 8 p.m., seven days a week, under VMC 20.935.030(A)(4). A companion public disturbance rule in VMC 7.05.010 exempts construction sound during those hours and treats it as a misdemeanor outside them.
Vancouver WA Construction Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Some RestrictionsVancouver Municipal Code § 20.935.030(A)(4)
4. Outdoor construction activity, including construction staging, shall occur no earlier than 7 a.m. and no later than 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Barking Dogs
Vancouver, Washington makes it unlawful to let a dog bark, bay, cry or howl continuously for ten minutes or more, or intermittently for one-half hour or more, to the disturbance of anyone at any time of day or night. A separate rule reaches frequent, repetitive or continuous animal noise that unreasonably disturbs a neighbor. Civil penalties start at $100.
Vancouver WA Barking Dog and Animal Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsVancouver Municipal Code § 8.24.130
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of real or personal property to allow to originate from the property frequent, repetitive, or continuous howling, barking, squawking or other noises made by any animal which unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, and repose of any property owner or possessor ... It is unlawful for any person, firm or cor...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
In Vancouver, Washington, amplified music becomes a misdemeanor public disturbance when it unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort, and repose of neighbors. The code names sound amplifying equipment, audio sound systems, and band sessions. Portable audio played off your own property cannot be audible greater than 50 feet from the source. Sound trucks and park events follow separate rules.
Vancouver WA Amplified Sound and Music Rules
Some RestrictionsVancouver Municipal Code § 7.05.010
1. Causes a public disturbance ... The following sounds are determined to be public disturbances: ... c. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, singing or using noise makers like whistles, fireworks, sound amplifying equipment or air horns within a residential district, or at any time and place in a manner so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, and repose of owners ...
Decibel Limits
Vancouver, Washington caps environmental noise at the property line of the receiving property, using a table keyed to the land use making the noise and the land use hearing it. Limits run from 55 dBA for residential noise reaching a residential neighbor up to 70 dBA for industrial noise reaching industrial property, and they drop at night.
Vancouver WA Environmental Noise Decibel Limits by Land Use
Some RestrictionsVancouver Municipal Code § 20.935.030(A)
A. Environmental Noise. Unless otherwise exempted by WAC 173-60-050, no development or use may create noise impacts, measured at the property line of the receiving property that exceed the maximum environmental noise levels established by WAC 173-60-050 listed in Table 20.935.030-1 below: ... Noise Source Receiving Property Residential Commercial Industrial Residential 55 dBA1 57 dBA 60 dBA Com...
Vehicle Noise
Vancouver, Washington bans unmuffled engine compression brakes, also called exhaust brakes or jake brakes, anywhere within the city limits, with a defense only for emergency use to protect persons or property. A violation is a traffic infraction with a maximum penalty of $250 per violation. Separate public disturbance rules reach vehicle horns and engine noise.
Vancouver WA Vehicle Noise and Engine Brake Rules
Some RestrictionsVancouver Municipal Code § 9.44.010
A. No person shall use motor vehicle brakes within the city limits that are in any way activated or operated by the unmuffled compression of the engine of that motor vehicle or any unit or part thereof. It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the unmuffled compression brakes were applied in an emergency and were necessary for the protection of persons and/or pr...
Looking for Clark County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Vancouver city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Clark County →