Bellingham, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Districts
- Downtown & Fairhaven entertainment districts
- Test
- 5-factor unreasonable-disturbance standard
- No fixed limit
- no decibel cap in code
- First offense
- civil infraction, up to $250
Summary
Bars and music venues in Bellingham's downtown and Fairhaven entertainment districts are judged on a five-factor unreasonable-disturbance test rather than a fixed decibel cap.
In considering whether or not sounds emanating from music venues in the entertainment districts unreasonably disturb the peace, comfort and repose of others, the following factors shall be considered: a. The time of day or night the sound occurs; b. The duration and volume of the sound; c. The nature of the sound; d. The location of the industry or business from where the sound originates, including consideration of surroundings; and e. The location of the complaint.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Bellingham Municipal Code § 10.24.120(C)(6) governs sound from music venues, bars, clubs, and similar establishments, within the city's downtown and Fairhaven entertainment districts (established under subsection (B)). Rather than a numeric decibel limit, the city weighs the time of day, duration and volume of the sound, its nature, the venue's location and surroundings, and where the complaint originated to decide whether the noise unreasonably disturbs nearby residents' peace and repose.
Violations & Fines
A finding of unreasonable disturbance is a civil infraction up to $250 for a first offense; a second or later offense is a misdemeanor up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for Bellingham bars?
Does this only apply downtown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington noise from specific sources overview
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