Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified outdoor displays, the Outdoor Lighting Code at SMC 23.86.013 covers light trespass, and HOAs typically set the binding rules. Most displays operate freely with no permit.
Seattle Municipal Code contains no provision specifying installation or removal dates for residential holiday lights. SMC 25.08.410 sets residential noise limits at 55 dBA daytime / 45 dBA night (10 PM-7 AM) — exterior amplified music with a display must stay under these limits at the property line. SMC 23.86.013 light trespass standards prohibit light over 0.1 foot-candles measured at the property line of an adjoining residential property; violations are enforced as a code violation under SMC 23.90 with civil penalties. Permanent installation of new exterior outlets or low-voltage transformers requires an electrical permit from SDCI/SCL. Holiday lights are not signs under SMC 23.55 unless they spell out commercial messaging. HOAs typically control display dates and brightness through CC&Rs.
Noise-ordinance violations carry $150 first offense escalating to $500 per occurrence (SMC 25.08.515). Light-trespass violations under SMC 23.86 can trigger Notice of Violation and abatement orders. There are no city-imposed display-date penalties.
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