Noise Ordinances in Pierce County, WA (2026)
7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Pierce County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
In unincorporated Pierce County, the noise limits in Pierce County Code 8.76.060 are reduced by 10 dBA for residential (Class A) receiving property between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Chapter 8.72 PCC separately bans public disturbance noises at all hours. Incorporated cities (Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup) set their own quiet hours.
Pierce County Quiet Hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m., Unincorporated Areas)
Some RestrictionsPCC 8.76.060.B.2
Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., the noise limitations of the foregoing table shall be reduced by 10 dBA for receiving property within Class A EDNA's.
Construction Hours
Unincorporated Pierce County exempts temporary construction-site noise from the Chapter 8.76 decibel limits during the day, but that exemption stops for residential (Class A) areas between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Residential home-improvement projects are exempt 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cities set their own construction hours.
Pierce County Construction Noise Hours (Unincorporated Areas)
Some RestrictionsPCC 8.76.070.C
The following shall be exempt from Section 8.76.060, except insofar as such provisions relate to the reception of noise within Class A EDNA's between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.: 1. Sounds originating from temporary construction sites as a result of construction activity…
Barking Dogs
In unincorporated Pierce County, PCC 8.72.090.A makes it a public disturbance noise for frequent, repetitive, or continuous animal sounds to unreasonably disturb neighbors' peace and repose, at any hour. Licensed shelters and kennels are exempt. Repeat-violator animals may be impounded. Cities have their own animal-noise rules.
Pierce County Barking Dog / Animal Noise Rule (PCC 8.72.090.A)
Some RestrictionsPCC 8.72.090.A
Frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds made by any animal which unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, and repose of property owners or possessors…
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
In unincorporated Pierce County, outdoor amplified music, band sessions, and social-gathering noise are barred by PCC 8.72.090.F when loud, raucous, and disturbing to neighbors, at any hour. Officially sanctioned parades and public events are exempt from the decibel limits (PCC 8.76.070.D.8). Cities permit outdoor events under their own codes.
Pierce County Outdoor Music / Events (PCC 8.72.090)
Some RestrictionsPCC 8.76.070.D.8
Sounds originating from officially sanctioned parades and other public events…
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise is exempt from Pierce County's noise code. PCC 8.76.070.D.2 exempts sounds from aircraft in flight and airport flight operations. With Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Sea-Tac flight paths overhead, jet and military aircraft noise is governed by the FAA and military, not the county.
Pierce County Aircraft Noise (Federal/State Preempted)
Few RestrictionsPCC 8.76.070.D.2
Sounds originating from aircraft in flight and sounds that originate at airports which are directly related to flight operations…
Decibel Limits
For most industrial noise, Pierce County defers to the State. PCC 8.72.120.D states that, apart from motor vehicles, industrial-area noise is regulated by the State of Washington. The Chapter 8.76 EDNA table still caps industrial (Class C) source noise at 60-70 dBA at the receiver, with exemptions for established operations.
Pierce County Industrial Noise (State-Regulated; PCC 8.76.060)
Some RestrictionsPCC 8.72.120.D
With the exception of motor vehicle noise, noise created by industrial areas is to be regulated by the State of Washington.
Vehicle Noise
In unincorporated Pierce County, PCC 8.72.090.H makes it unlawful for a car or vessel sound system to be clearly heard 50 feet or more from the vehicle in residential or commercial areas. Frequent engine, horn, or off-road-vehicle noise is also barred (PCC 8.72.090.B-C). Vehicle-in-motion noise follows WAC 173-62.
Pierce County Vehicle Noise Rules (PCC 8.72.090.H)
Some RestrictionsPCC 8.72.090.H.1
Sound from a motor vehicle or vessel sound system, such as a tape player, radio, or compact disc player, which is operated at such a volume that it could be clearly heard by a person of normal hearing at a distance of 50 feet or more from the vehicle or vessel itself…
Noise Ordinances by City in Pierce County
2 cities in Pierce County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Pierce County ordinances
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