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Cowlitz County, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Exempted sound
Audible alarms, including vehicle alarms
Governing section
CCC § 10.25.050(A)(2)
Limit
Unless otherwise covered by CCC
Effect
No Chapter 10.25 noise citation

Summary

Cowlitz County's noise code exempts car alarms from citation: CCC § 10.25.050(A)(2) excuses 'sounds created by audible alarms, unless otherwise covered by Cowlitz County Code,' removing ordinary alarm sounds from the chapter's public noise disturbance rules in unincorporated Cowlitz County.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Cowlitz County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The following sounds are exempt from the provisions of this chapter: ... Sounds created by audible alarms, unless otherwise covered by Cowlitz County Code;

View official code

Full Breakdown

25 CCC treats audible alarms, including vehicle alarms, as an exempt sound category rather than a regulated nuisance. 050 may be determined to be a public noise disturbance, to the extent that the particular source of the noise is exempted,' an alarm sounding on a parked vehicle cannot be cited as a public noise disturbance or public nuisance noise under this chapter. 040(A)(2) separately treats as a day-and-night public noise disturbance regardless of the hour. 25's noise-specific rules. 25 noise infraction for an audible alarm covered by this exemption.

Violations & Fines

Because audible alarms are exempt under § 10.25.050(A)(2), the Sheriff cannot cite an alarm sound as a civil infraction under CCC § 10.25.040. A resident whose neighbor's alarm sounds repeatedly has no noise-code remedy under Chapter 10.25 unless another provision of Cowlitz County Code specifically covers that alarm, in which case the standard $75.00 to $300.00 civil infraction schedule under § 10.25.070(B) would apply instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be cited for a car alarm going off in Cowlitz County?
Not under Chapter 10.25 CCC. Section 10.25.050(A)(2) exempts 'sounds created by audible alarms, unless otherwise covered by Cowlitz County Code' from the noise chapter's public noise disturbance rules, so an ordinary vehicle alarm cannot be cited under this chapter.
Does the alarm exemption cover every alarm sound?
Almost. CCC § 10.25.050(A)(2) exempts audible alarms 'unless otherwise covered by Cowlitz County Code,' meaning a more specific county provision elsewhere could override the exemption for a particular alarm, though none applies to ordinary vehicle alarms under Chapter 10.25.
What can I do about a neighbor's repeatedly triggered car alarm?
Chapter 10.25 CCC offers no remedy, since CCC § 10.25.050(A)(2) exempts audible alarms from its noise disturbance rules. A resident would need to pursue the issue under a different county chapter or state nuisance law rather than the noise ordinance.
Is an unmuffled exhaust treated the same as a car alarm?
No. Unlike the audible-alarm exemption in CCC § 10.25.050(A)(2), the use of an unmuffled exhaust system is separately listed as a public noise disturbance at any hour under CCC § 10.25.040(A)(2) and is not exempt.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cowlitz County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsLow-Frequency Bass LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Cowlitz County rules

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