Noise Rules: Puyallup vs Tacoma
How do noise rules rules compare between Puyallup, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Puyallup and Tacoma have similar restriction levels.
Puyallup, WA
Pierce County
Short-term rental guests in Puyallup must comply with Puyallup Municipal Code (PMC) Chapter 6.16 (Noise Control), which adopts by reference Chapter 70.107 RCW and WAC 173-58, 173-60, and 173-62. The state limits incorporated into PMC 6.16 set a 55 dBA daytime maximum and a 45 dBA nighttime maximum at the property line of a residential receiving zone (Class A EDNA), with nighttime defined as 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. PMC 6.16 also restricts plainly audible portable and motor-vehicle audio at 50 feet in residential zones. A violation is a civil infraction with a penalty of up to $250.
View full Puyallup rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
STR guests in Tacoma must follow the city's noise ordinance (TMC 8.122). Quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM apply to all properties. Operators must inform guests about noise expectations and may lose their license for repeated violations.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Puyallup | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Quiet Hours | - | 10 PM–7 AM |
| Operator Duty | - | Post noise rules for guests |
| Enforcement | - | Police / Noise Control |
| Risk | - | License revocation for repeat issues |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Puyallup FAQ
What are Puyallup's quiet hours for STR guests?
Under PMC 6.16, which adopts WAC 173-60, nighttime hours run 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. During those hours the maximum noise at a residential receiving property line drops to 45 dBA.
Does Puyallup have a separate STR noise ordinance?
No. Puyallup has not adopted a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance. STR guests must follow the same PMC Chapter 6.16 limits as any other resident, and operators must comply with state requirements under RCW 64.37.
What is the penalty for a noise violation in Puyallup?
PMC 6.16 violations are civil infractions with a maximum penalty of $250 per occurrence. Each day a violation continues may be treated as a separate infraction.
Who do neighbors call about STR noise in Puyallup?
Active disturbances are reported to the Puyallup Police Department non-emergency line at 253-841-5415. Under RCW 64.37.020, the operator must also provide a 24-hour contact who can respond during a guest's stay.
Tacoma FAQ
What noise rules apply to Airbnb guests in Tacoma?
The same noise ordinance applies to STR guests. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM. Fines up to $1,000 for violations.
Can Tacoma revoke my STR license for noise complaints?
Yes. Repeated noise violations from a short-term rental can trigger license revocation under Tacoma's STR regulations.
How do I report a loud Airbnb in Tacoma?
Call the police non-emergency line for active noise. For patterns of disturbance, report to the city's STR enforcement and Noise Control program.
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