Decibel Limits: Kent vs Renton
How do decibel limits rules compare between Kent, WA and Renton, WA?
Kent and Renton have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
Kent decibel limits follow WAC 173-60 and KCC 8.05 using EDNA zones. Residential receiving limit is 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial sources are capped at 57 or 47 dBA into residential zones.
View full Kent rules βRenton, WA
King County
Renton adopts WAC 173-60 decibel limits via RMC 8-7: residential 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night, commercial 57/52 dBA, industrial 60 dBA, measured at the receiving property line.
View full Renton rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Day | 55 dBA | 55 dBA |
| Residential Night | 45 dBA | 45 dBA |
| Meter Standard | WAC 173-58 | - |
| Code | KCC 8.05 / WAC 173-60 | - |
| Commercial Day/Night | - | 57 / 52 dBA |
| Industrial | - | 60 dBA |
| Measurement Point | - | Receiving property line |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
What decibel levels are allowed at a Kent home?
55 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM and 45 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM for residential-to-residential sound, measured at the receiving property line.
How are Kent noise measurements taken?
With a Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter on A-weighting, slow response, at the receiving property line, following WAC 173-58 procedures.
Renton FAQ
What is a Type 2 sound level meter?
A Type 2 meter meets the ANSI S1.4 accuracy class used by code enforcement and is accepted for regulatory measurements under WAC 173-60.
Do these limits apply inside my house?
Limits are measured at the exterior property line of the receiving property, not inside dwellings. Indoor audibility is used only for the nighttime plainly audible standard.
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