King County, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- K.C.C. 12.86.410 public disturbance noise
- Applies to
- Unincorporated King County only
- Audibility standard
- Plainly audible 50+ feet, residential/rural
- First fine
- Up to $125 (K.C.C. 12.86.700)
- Enforced by
- King County Sheriff or director
Summary
In unincorporated King County, loud or raucous sound from a bar, nightclub or similar venue that reaches a residential or rural area, including band sessions or social gatherings, is a public disturbance noise and unlawful.
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise... Sounds that are public disturbance noises may include, but are not limited to: ...5. Loud and raucous sound that emanates frequently, repetitively or continuously from any building, structure or property, including watercraft, located within a rural or residential district or on an adjoining body of water, such as sounds originating from a band session or social gathering;
Full Breakdown
King County Code 12.86.410.A bans "public disturbance noise", sound that unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort or repose of others. Subsection A.5 specifically flags loud and raucous sound emanating frequently, repetitively or continuously from a building or property in a rural or residential district, or on an adjoining body of water, "such as sounds originating from a band session or social gathering." A.6 separately bans amplified sound, including music, that is plainly audible 50 feet or more from the source when received in a residential or rural district. This applies only in unincorporated county territory, Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Auburn, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, Burien, Shoreline, Issaquah and roughly 27 other cities enforce their own municipal noise codes, not this chapter.
Violations & Fines
First offense within 12 months: civil infraction up to $125. Second: up to $250. Each subsequent violation within 12 months: up to double the prior fine, under K.C.C. 12.86.700.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule cover bars in Seattle?
Does the county need to measure decibels to cite a bar?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington noise from specific sources overview
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