Decibel Limits: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do decibel limits rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue adopts WAC 173-60 EDNA decibel limits: 55/45 dBA day/night residential, 60/55 commercial, 70/70 industrial, measured at the receiving property line under BCC 9.18.030.
View full Bellevue rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Unincorporated King County adopts WAC 173-60 decibel limits: 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime for Class A residential receiving property. Higher limits apply in commercial and industrial receiving zones.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Day | 55 dBA | - |
| Residential Night | 45 dBA | - |
| Commercial Day/Night | 60 / 55 dBA | - |
| Industrial | 70 dBA both | - |
| Class A Day | - | 55 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) |
| Class A Night | - | 45 dBA (10 PM-7 AM) |
| Class B Day | - | 60 dBA commercial |
| Class C | - | 70 dBA industrial |
| Measurement | - | Receiving property line |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
What is the Bellevue nighttime decibel limit?
45 dBA in residential zones between 10 PM and 7 AM, measured at the property line.
Who measures decibels in Bellevue?
Code Compliance officers can use sound level meters during investigations. Residents are not required to produce dBA readings to file a complaint.
Seattle FAQ
How loud is 55 dBA?
Roughly the sound of a typical conversation at 10 feet, or a quiet refrigerator. Normal speech is about 60 dBA, and highway traffic at 50 feet is about 70 dBA.
Can I get a King County deputy to measure decibels?
Rarely on a first complaint. Deputies typically use the plainly audible standard. Formal dBA measurements are done by Code Enforcement on repeat or commercial cases.
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