Tacoma has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance at TMC 8.122 applies to any amplified outdoor displays, the city's sign code at TMC 13.06.520 covers commercial messaging on residential property, and HOAs typically set binding rules. Most residential displays operate freely with no permit.
Tacoma Municipal Code contains no provision specifying installation or removal dates for residential holiday lights. TMC 8.122 (Noise Code) sets the residential maximum at 60 dB with 10 PM-7 AM weekday quiet hours (10 PM-9 AM weekends) — any exterior amplified music accompanying a holiday display must stay under those limits at the property line. Lighted displays that bear commercial messaging or are placed on commercial property fall under the sign regulations in TMC 13.06.520; residential lighting without commercial copy is not a sign. Permanent installation of new exterior outlets or low-voltage transformers for holiday displays requires a Washington L&I electrical permit. Glare creating a hazard for drivers is preempted by RCW 47.36.180 and 46.37.020. HOAs commonly impose stricter display-date rules through CC&Rs; the city does not enforce HOA covenants. Light trespass onto adjoining residential property is not specifically regulated by the city beyond the general nuisance authority in TMC 8.30.
Noise Code violations under TMC 8.122 carry civil infraction fines up to $1,000 per violation. Repeated egregious cases may be charged as a misdemeanor under TMC 8.122.040. Right-of-way obstructions are enforced under TMC 9.18. There are no city-imposed display-date penalties on residential lights. Confirm specific penalty amounts with Tacoma Code Enforcement.
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