Seattle, WA Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)

All film production activities in Seattle must comply with the city's Noise Control ordinance (SMC Chapter 25.08), which establishes maximum sound levels based on the receiving property's district classification. Production noise sources include generators, amplified sound systems, special effects, vehicle activity, and crew communication systems. Under SMC 25.08, sound from any source must not exceed established limits at the property line of receiving properties. Residential districts have stricter limits than commercial or industrial areas, and nighttime hours (10 PM to 7 AM) have lower thresholds than daytime. For productions that need to exceed normal noise limits, variances can be requested through the film permit application process. High impact productions involving pyrotechnics, gunfire effects, or large-scale equipment must coordinate with the Film Permit Specialist and may require additional noise mitigation measures. A copy or digest of noise ordinance provisions is provided to every person applying for a permit involving the production of sounds that may exceed noise restrictions. Sound from officially sanctioned events in public parks must not exceed 95 dB(A) for one minute as measured fifty feet from the source.