Noise from Specific Sources in King County, WA (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in King County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
In unincorporated King County, air conditioners, heat pumps and other stationary equipment noise must stay under the county's district-based sound level table, dropping 10 dB(A) overnight.
King County HVAC Equipment Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsKing County Code § 12.86.100
It is unlawful for any person to cause sound, or for any person in possession of property to permit sound originating from such property, to intrude into the real property of another person whenever such sound exceeds the maximum permissible sound levels established by this chapter.
Bar & Nightclub Noise
In unincorporated King County, loud or raucous sound from a bar, nightclub or similar venue that reaches a residential or rural area, including band sessions or social gatherings, is a public disturbance noise and unlawful.
King County Bar and Nightclub Noise
Some RestrictionsKing County Code § 12.86.410.A.5
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise... Sounds that are public disturbance noises may include, but are not limited to: ...5. Loud and raucous sound that emanates frequently, repetitively or continuously from any building, structure or property, including watercraft, l...
Car Alarm Limits
Unincorporated King County treats a frequent, repetitive or continuous horn or siren on a motor vehicle, including a car alarm, as unlawful public disturbance noise unless it's warning of actual danger.
King County Car Alarm Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsKing County Code § 12.86.410.A.1
The frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law; 2. Frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, offhighway vehicle, watercraft or internalcombustion engine; ...
Generator Noise
In unincorporated King County, generators count as regulated 'equipment,' so their noise can't exceed the county's maximum permissible sound levels: as low as 49 dB(A) reaching a rural neighbor, and quieter overnight.
King County Generator Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsKing County Code § 12.86.100; equipment defined at § 12.86.030.F; levels set by § 12.86.110
It is unlawful for any person to cause sound, or for any person in possession of property to permit sound originating from such property, to intrude into the real property of another person whenever such sound exceeds the maximum permissible sound levels established by this chapter. (Ord. 3139 § 301, 1977. Formerly K.C.C. 12.88.010). 12.86.110 Envrionmental sound levels – maximum permissib...
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
In unincorporated King County, amplified bass that's plainly audible or felt 50 feet from the source (300 feet for watercraft) in a residential or rural district is a public disturbance noise violation under K.C.C. 12.86.410.
King County Low-Frequency Bass Noise Rule
Some RestrictionsKing County Code § 12.86.410.A.6
Frequent, repetitive or continuous sound...where the sound is plainly audible or can be felt at fifty feet or more from the source of sound, or three hundred feet or more if the source of sound is from a watercraft, when the sound is received in a residential or rural district..."plainly audible" means any sound that can be detected by unaided hearing faculties of normal acuity, including...bei...
Noise from Specific Sources by City in King County
6 cities in King County have their own noise from specific sources rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
1 verified rule • Bar & Nightclub Noise
2 verified rules • Bar & Nightclub Noise, Generator Noise
2 verified rules • Generator Noise, Low-Frequency Bass Limits
2 verified rules • Car Alarm Limits, Low-Frequency Bass Limits
1 verified rule • HVAC & Mechanical Noise
4 verified rules • Bar & Nightclub Noise, Car Alarm Limits
All King County ordinances
See every category we cover for King County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
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