Industrial Noise: Bellevue vs Renton
How do industrial noise rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Renton, WA?
Bellevue and Renton have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue adopts WAC 173-60 EDNA limits under BCC 9.18.030: industrial-to-residential 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night; commercial-to-residential 57 dBA day / 47 dBA night.
View full Bellevue rules →Renton, WA
King County
Industrial noise in Renton including Boeing and Cedar River industry is limited to 70 dBA industrial, 60 dBA at residential day, 50 dBA at residential night per WAC 173-60 and RMC 8-7.
View full Renton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial to Res | 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night | - |
| Commercial to Res | 57 dBA day / 47 dBA night | - |
| Spike Allowance | +5 dBA for 15 min/hr | - |
| Code | BCC 9.18.030 / WAC 173-60 | - |
| Industrial to Industrial | - | 70 dBA |
| Industrial to Commercial | - | 65 dBA |
| Industrial to Residential Day | - | 60 dBA |
| Industrial to Residential Night | - | 50 dBA |
| Short Excursions Allowed | - | +5, +10, +15 dBA tiered |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
How loud can a commercial site be in Bellevue?
Commercial noise received in a residential zone must stay under 57 dBA during the day and 47 dBA at night under BCC 9.18.030.
My neighbor's AC unit is too loud. What can I do?
File a complaint with Bellevue Code Compliance at (425) 452-4570. HVAC noise at the property line must meet the EDNA limits.
Renton FAQ
Can Boeing operate 24 hours a day?
Yes. Industrial operations can run continuously provided noise received at adjacent residential property stays within the day and night limits, with allowed short-duration excursions.
How are industrial noise complaints investigated?
Code Enforcement investigates complaints with decibel measurements at the receiving property, often working with the facility to identify equipment or processes contributing to the exceedance.
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