Noise from Specific Sources in Thurston County, WA (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Thurston County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Car Alarm Limits
Thurston County's noise ordinance exempts car alarms and other warning devices from its public disturbance noise limits, but only for the first thirty minutes. County Code Section 10.36.040(D) shields warning devices 'not operated continuously for more than thirty minutes per incident,' after which the alarm becomes an enforceable noise violation like any other sound source under Chapter 10.36.
Thurston County Car Alarm Noise Exemption
Light RestrictionsThurston County Code § 10.36.040(D)
The following sounds are exempt from the provisions of this chapter: ... D.Sounds created by warning devices not operated continuously for more than thirty minutes per incident;
Generator Noise
Thurston County caps gas and diesel generator noise at 55 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dBA overnight, measured at the nearest property line or public right-of-way, under County Code Section 10.36.030(C). Section 10.36.040(I) exempts generators run during an actual power outage, so the daytime and nighttime limits apply only to routine, non-emergency generator use.
Thurston County Generator Noise Limit
Some RestrictionsThurston County Code § 10.36.030(C); § 10.36.040(I)
It is unlawful for any person willfully to cause, or any person in possession of property willfully to allow to originate from the property, any sound which: ... C.Is caused by the operation of either a gas or diesel powered generator that exceeds fifty-five dBA between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m. and forty-five dBA between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m., measured at any adjacent...
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