Puyallup, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Named example source
- 'Tavern operation' cited in the code
- Covered devices
- Musical instruments, amplifiers, jukeboxes, stereos, TVs
- Max civil penalty
- $250.00 under PMC § 6.16.100
- Enforcement trigger
- Complaint from affected owner/renter/lessee
- Governing section
- PMC § 6.16.050(2)(f)
Summary
Loud, raucous noise from music, sound amplifiers, or similar devices that emanates frequently, repetitively, or continuously from a business is a public disturbance noise under PMC § 6.16.050(2)(f), which specifically names tavern operation as an example source.
(f) The creation by use of a musical instrument, whistle, sound amplifier, stereo, jukebox, radio, television, or other device capable of reproducing sound and raucous noises which emanate frequently, repetitively, or continuously from any building, structure, or property, such as sounds originating from a band session, tavern operation or commercial sales lot;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4985225; v6 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
050(2)(f) makes it unlawful for 'raucous noises' created by a musical instrument, whistle, sound amplifier, stereo, jukebox, radio, television, or other sound-reproducing device to emanate frequently, repetitively, or continuously from a building, structure, or property, and the section expressly gives 'a band session, tavern operation or commercial sales lot' as examples of the kind of source it covers. That puts a bar or nightclub running live music, a jukebox, or a sound system loud enough to carry off its own premises squarely inside the public disturbance noise definition.
050(2)(d), reaches sound amplifiers or loudspeakers used by a business to draw customers or reach outdoor employees, requiring that as of January 1, 2010 such equipment not be audible beyond the business property line, which can also apply to a bar's outdoor speakers. 080, which requires a complaint from an identified property owner, renter, or lessee affected by the noise before a civil infraction issues for most sources in this chapter, with each 24-hour period of continued violation treated as a separate offense. 050 at all hours.
Violations & Fines
Raucous, frequently repeated bar or nightclub noise reaching neighboring property is a public disturbance noise violation under PMC § 6.16.050(2)(f), punishable as a civil infraction with a maximum penalty of $250.00 under PMC § 6.16.100. Enforcement generally requires a complaint from an affected property owner, renter, or lessee under PMC § 6.16.080, and each day of continuing violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Puyallup's noise code specifically mention bars?
Are there set closing hours for bar noise?
How is a nightclub noise complaint handled?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Puyallup
Compare Puyallup 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 this county handle bar & nightclub noise.