Burien, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

The Burien Municipal Code has no generator section. A search of Titles 1 through 9 finds no use of the word generator, so a complaint about generator noise in the City of Burien runs through the engine wording in BMC § 9.105.410.

Subsection (2)(b) lists as a public disturbance noise 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 possessors of real property. Subsection (b) prints no clock hour and no decibel figure; the test is that the sound is frequent, repetitive or continuous and unreasonably disturbs.

Subsection (2)(i) handles equipment used on home projects. Sounds originating from residential property relating to temporary projects for the maintenance or repair of homes, grounds and appurtenances, including but not limited to lawnmowers, powered hand tools, snow removal equipment and composters, are a violation between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends. Subsection (2)(h) sets longer quiet periods for construction sites, covering construction equipment, power tools and hammering between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends, with a city manager variance available for city public works projects.

Under subsection (1), liability reaches the person causing the sound and any person in possession of property who allows it to originate from the property.