Industrial Noise: Auburn vs Seattle
How do industrial noise rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Industrial sources into residential zones are capped at 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night under WAC 173-60 via ACC 8.28. The Boeing Auburn plant and Valley warehouses must meet these limits.
View full Auburn rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Industrial noise in unincorporated King County follows WAC 173-60 EDNA classes adopted via KCC 12.86. Class C industrial to Class A residential limits are 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at the boundary.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Day Limit to Residential | 60 dBA | - |
| Night Limit to Residential | 50 dBA | - |
| Code | WAC 173-60 via ACC 8.28 | KCC 12.86, WAC 173-60-040 |
| Contact | (253) 931-3000 | - |
| C to A Day | - | 60 dBA max |
| C to A Night | - | 50 dBA max |
| B to A Day | - | 57 dBA max |
| Measurement | - | Receiving property line |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
How loud can a warehouse be at night near Auburn homes?
50 dBA at the residential property line under WAC 173-60, with brief exceedances permitted as defined in the rule.
Who enforces industrial noise in Auburn?
Auburn Code Enforcement investigates noise complaints at (253) 931-3000. Measurements are taken at the receiving residential property line.
Seattle FAQ
Where is industrial zoning located in King County?
Major industrial districts include the Duwamish corridor, Kent Valley, Tukwila, and SeaTac airport-area industrial zones. Check King County iMap for zoning classifications.
How do I file an industrial noise complaint?
Contact King County Code Enforcement at 206-296-6680 or use eCitations online. For air quality plus noise, contact Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA).
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