Auburn, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered equipment
- Any internal combustion engine
- Where it applies
- Residential districts
- Standard
- Frequent/repetitive/continuous, unreasonable disturbance
- Related yard-tool hours
- Before 7am/after 10pm weekdays, (B)(9)
- 1st penalty
- Up to $250 civil penalty
- 3+ violations/12 mo
- Misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010
Summary
Running a generator or other internal combustion engine in an Auburn residential district violates ACC 8.28.010(B)(2) if it creates frequent, repetitive or continuous sound that unreasonably disturbs neighbors' peace and comfort. The rule covers starting, operating, repairing, rebuilding or testing the engine, with civil penalties starting at $250 and a misdemeanor after repeat violations.
2. The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential district, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or occupants of real property;
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(B)(2) folds portable generators into the same clause that regulates engine noise generally. ' A portable generator is an internal combustion engine for purposes of this clause, so running one outside for hours during a power outage, a camping trip in a residential backyard, or ongoing construction can trigger a citation if a neighbor's peace and comfort is unreasonably disturbed, regardless of the time of day. on Sundays, meaning that clause, not the generator clause, governs the hours for yard-tool engines specifically. Complaints under (B)(2) are assessed on disturbance and frequency, not on a decibel reading.
Violations & Fines
A generator noise violation under ACC 8.28.010(B)(2) draws a civil penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for a second within a two-year period under ACC 8.28.020. Three or more violations at the same address within 12 months are prosecuted as a misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for running a generator in Auburn?
Are there set hours when generator noise is allowed in Auburn?
What is the penalty for a generator noise complaint in Auburn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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Generator Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle generator noise.