Noise Rules: Auburn vs Seattle
How do noise rules rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Short-term rentals in Auburn must follow the citywide noise ordinance in ACC 8.28, which prohibits disturbing noise especially between 10 PM and 7 AM. Operators should post house rules and respond to complaints.
View full Auburn rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle short-term rental guests must comply with Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.08 (Noise Control), which sets a 55 dBA daytime limit and a 45 dBA nighttime limit at the property line of a residential receiving zone. Quiet hours run 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. on weekends and legal holidays. Operators are responsible under SMC 6.600 for guest conduct, and repeated verified noise complaints can support enforcement against the STR operator's regulatory license. Active disturbances are reported to the Seattle Police non-emergency line at 206-625-5011.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Noise ordinance | ACC 8.28 | - |
| Quiet hours (typical) | 10 PM to 7 AM | - |
| State reference | WAC 173-60 | - |
| Operator liability | Responsible for guests | - |
| Enforcement | Civil penalties, license review | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Am I liable for my guests making noise?
Yes. As the property operator you are responsible for guest conduct. Repeated violations can lead to fines and business license issues.
What should I do when neighbors complain?
Respond within 30 to 60 minutes, contact guests directly, and document your response. Post a 24-hour contact number visible from the street.
Seattle FAQ
What are Seattle's quiet hours for STR guests?
Quiet hours under SMC 25.08 are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. on weekends and legal holidays, when the residential noise limit drops to 45 dBA at the property line.
Does SMC 6.600 set its own STR noise standard?
No. STR guests must follow the same Chapter 25.08 limits as any other resident, but persistent verified complaints can support FAS enforcement against the operator's regulatory license.
Who do neighbors call about STR noise in Seattle?
Active disturbances are reported to Seattle Police non-emergency at 206-625-5011. Repeat nuisance patterns can also be reported to SDCI Code Compliance at 206-615-0808 and to FAS for STR license review.
Can my STR license be revoked over noise complaints?
Yes. Under SMC 6.600, repeated verified violations can result in $500 to $1,000 penalties and suspension or revocation of the STR operator license, on top of any Chapter 25.08 noise citation issued to the guest.
Compare other topics
See how Auburn and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool