Noise Rules: Federal Way vs Seattle
How do noise rules rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Federal Way and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
STR guests in Federal Way follow the citywide noise ordinance in FWRC Chapter 7.10. Quiet hours are typically 10 PM to 7 AM and operators must maintain a 24-hour local contact under RCW 64.37.
View full Federal Way 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 | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10 PM to 7 AM | - |
| Night Limit | 55 dBA residential | - |
| Operator Contact | 24-hour required | - |
| City Code | FWRC Chapter 7.10 | - |
| State Law | RCW 64.37 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Are short-term rental guests subject to Federal Way noise rules?
Yes. Guests must follow all citywide noise and nuisance regulations in FWRC 7.10, including 10 PM to 7 AM quiet hours.
What does the operator have to do about noise?
RCW 64.37 requires operators to provide a 24-hour local contact who can respond to complaints, and operators should post quiet hours in the unit.
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.
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