Auburn, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered sources
- Music, audio systems, band sessions
- Standard
- Unreasonably disturbs neighbors' peace/comfort
- 1st penalty
- Up to $250 civil penalty
- 2nd penalty (2 yrs)
- Up to $500 civil penalty
- 3rd violation
- Misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010
- Exempt events
- Permitted parades/park programs, 9am-11pm
Summary
Auburn's noise ordinance makes it unlawful for frequent, repetitive or continuous sound from music, audio systems, band sessions or social gatherings inside any building to disturb neighbors' peace and comfort. ACC 8.28.010(B)(4) covers bars and nightclubs directly. A first violation carries up to a $250 civil penalty, rising to $500 and eventually a misdemeanor.
A. General Prohibition. It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person who owns or occupies property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise. B. Public Disturbances. The following sounds are public disturbance noises in violation of this chapter: ... 4. The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds which emanate from any building, structure, apartment or condominium, which unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or occupants of real property, such as sounds from musical instruments, audio sound systems, band sessions or social gatherings; ... [8.28.020] Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $250.00; provided, that the penalty for a second or subsequent violation within a two-year period shall be a civil penalty of up to $500.00.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010(A) makes it unlawful for anyone to cause, or for an owner or occupant to allow, sound that qualifies as a 'public disturbance noise' to originate from their property. Subsection (B)(4) defines that standard for venues like bars and nightclubs: 'frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds which emanate from any building, structure, apartment or condominium' and 'unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or occupants of real property,' expressly naming musical instruments, audio sound systems, band sessions and social gatherings as covered sources.
under subsection (D). Enforcement does not require a decibel meter reading; a complaint that the sound is unreasonably disturbing a neighbor's peace and comfort is enough to establish the violation. 010, once the same violator is found to have committed three or more separate violations at the same location within a 12-month period.
Violations & Fines
A bar or nightclub found to violate ACC 8.28.010(B)(4) faces a civil penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for a repeat offense inside a two-year window under ACC 8.28.020. A third violation at the same location within 12 months is charged as a misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010 rather than a civil infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bar in Auburn be cited for loud music?
What is the fine for a nightclub noise violation in Auburn?
Are there hours when bar noise is automatically exempt in Auburn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
Compare Auburn to another location·View the Washington noise from specific sources overview
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Bar & Nightclub Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle bar & nightclub noise.