Noise Rules: Kirkland vs Seattle
How do noise rules rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kirkland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Kirkland, WA
King County
STR guests in Kirkland must comply with KMC Chapter 11.88 noise limits and the operator is responsible for providing rules and responding to noise complaints within a reasonable timeframe.
View full Kirkland 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 | Kirkland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet hours weekday | 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. | - |
| Quiet hours weekend | 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. | - |
| Day limit | 55 dBA at property line | - |
| Night limit | 45 dBA at property line | - |
| Operator contact | 24/7 response required | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kirkland FAQ
Can guests use the hot tub at night?
Yes, but noise from the hot tub, conversation, or music must not exceed 45 dBA at the neighbor property line between 10 p.m. and the morning quiet-hour end.
What happens if neighbors complain?
Police or Code Enforcement may issue civil infractions and repeat complaints can lead to suspension or revocation of the STR business license.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Kirkland and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool