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🔊 Noise Ordinances/Construction Hours

Construction Hours: Kent vs Seattle

How do construction hours rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?

Kent and Seattle have similar restriction levels.

Kent, WA

King County

Some Restrictions

Kent permits construction 7 AM to 8 PM under KCC 8.05 exemptions. Construction noise is exempt from the 55 dBA limit only in that window. Sunday work near residential areas is restricted.

View full Kent rules →

Seattle, WA

King County

Some Restrictions

Under SMC 25.08, construction is permitted 7 AM–7 PM on weekdays and 9 AM–7 PM on weekends and legal holidays. Construction noise may not exceed 75 dBA. SDCI enforces; violations may result in stop-work orders.

View full Seattle rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactKentSeattle
Allowed Hours7 AM to 8 PM typical-
State Exemption Window7 AM to 10 PM-
Emergency WorkExempt 24/7-
CodeKCC 8.05.100SMC 25.08
Weekday Hours-7 AM–7 PM
Weekend/Holiday Hours-9 AM–7 PM
Max dBA-75 dBA
Enforcement-SDCI, (206) 615-0808; stop-work orders possible

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Kent FAQ

When can construction start in Kent?

Generally 7 AM under the KCC 8.05 noise exemption. Work outside 7 AM to 10 PM must meet residential dBA limits at the property line.

Can a contractor work on Sunday in Kent?

Only if the noise stays below 55 dBA at any residential receiving property. Typical construction equipment cannot meet that limit.

Seattle FAQ

What are the allowed construction hours in Seattle?

Under SMC 25.08, construction is permitted 7 AM–7 PM on weekdays and 9 AM–7 PM on weekends and legal holidays. Construction noise may not exceed 75 dBA. SDCI enforces; violations may result in stop-work orders.

Can construction work happen on weekends in Seattle?

Code: SMC 25.08. Weekday Hours: 7 AM–7 PM. Weekend/Holiday Hours: 9 AM–7 PM. Max dBA: 75 dBA.

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