Industrial Noise: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do industrial noise 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 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 →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 | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | KCC 12.86, WAC 173-60-040 |
| 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.
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.
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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