8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in King County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
King County Code Title 12 (Ordinance 18000, adopted 2015) regulates noise in unincorporated areas. Nighttime limits are 10 dB lower than daytime. Quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM weekends. Public disturbance noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace is prohibited at all times.
Construction in unincorporated King County is permitted 7 AM to 10 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 8 PM weekends under KCC Title 12. The Permitting Division can issue temporary variances for up to 14 days. Construction outside these hours is a noise violation.
King County Code Title 12 — Public Peace, Safety and Morals; K.C.C. 12.86.520(A) (Ord. 18000 sec. 78, 2015)
Normal and usual sounds created by construction, including on or by watercraft, are restricted to the following hours unless otherwise specified by the director, and are exempt from this chapter except as provided in subsection C. of this section: 1. For heavy equipment used on construction sites, including crawlers, tractors, bulldozers, rotary drills and augers, loaders, power shovels, cranes...
King County does not impose specific leaf blower restrictions beyond the general noise limits in KCC 12.86 and WAC 173-60. Residential yard maintenance is exempt during daytime hours (7 AM-10 PM weekdays).
Amplified music in unincorporated King County must comply with KCC 12.86 noise limits and WAC 173-60 standards. Sounds exceeding 55 dBA during daytime or 45 dBA at night at the residential property line are prohibited.
Aircraft noise from Sea-Tac (SEA), Boeing Field, and Renton Municipal is preempted by federal FAA authority. King County cannot regulate in-flight aircraft; complaints go to Port of Seattle at 206-787-5393.
Industrial noise in unincorporated King County follows WAC 173-60 EDNA classes adopted via KCC 12.86. Class C industrial to Class A residential limits are 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at the boundary.
Unincorporated King County adopts WAC 173-60 decibel limits: 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime for Class A residential receiving property. Higher limits apply in commercial and industrial receiving zones.
Outdoor music in unincorporated King County must meet KCC 12.86 and WAC 173-60 limits: 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night at residential property lines. Event variances available via special event permits.
8 cities in King County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
4 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Barking Dogs
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
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