Seattle SMC 25.08 limits construction equipment to 80 dBA measured at the receiving property line, with maximum-noise exemptions during permitted weekday daytime hours. Impact equipment like jackhammers requires noise-reduction measures.
Seattle's Noise Ordinance, SMC 25.08.425, exempts construction during permitted hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends) but caps overall sound at 80 dBA measured at the adjacent property line in residential zones. Outside those hours, construction noise must meet baseline residential limits of 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night absent a Noise Variance from the Director of Construction and Inspections. Impact equipment (pile drivers, jackhammers, hoe rams) must use mufflers, shrouds, or other mitigation. Major projects often obtain Major Public Project Construction Noise Variances allowing limited night work with monitoring and community notification. Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections enforces complaints; SPD handles after-hours violations. Sea-Tac airport-adjacent projects have additional FAA noise considerations.
First violation: warning. Subsequent: $250-$500 per day. Repeat violator: criminal misdemeanor up to $5,000. Stop-work order possible. SDCI variance revocation for noncompliance.
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