Showing ordinances that apply to Vashon, WA
Vashon is an unincorporated community (population 11,055) in King County, Washington. Because Vashon is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, King County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The generator noise rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Generators in unincorporated King County must meet KCC 12.86 limits of 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night at residential boundaries. Emergency operation during declared power outages is exempt under WAC 173-60-050.
Standby generators (Generac, Kohler, Cummins) and portable generators are subject to KCC 12.86 and WAC 173-60 maximum environmental noise levels in normal operation. The 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night limits apply at the adjacent property boundary for Class A residential. Modern liquid-cooled standby generators rate 60-70 dBA at 23 feet, meaning sound enclosures or setback are often needed to meet nighttime limits. WAC 173-60-050(4)(b) exempts sounds created by emergency equipment and work necessary to restore property to a safe condition during public emergencies, including utility restoration, search and rescue, and emergency power generation during grid outages. Routine monthly exercise cycles (typically 10-20 minutes) are not emergencies and must comply with normal limits; most manufacturers allow programming exercise for midday weekday hours. King County DLS requires a mechanical permit for standby generator installation including setback review. Fuel storage over 60 gallons requires Fire Marshal review.
Civil infraction under KCC 23.02. Emergency operation during declared outage not subject to enforcement. Routine operation violating limits can result in fines up to 500 dollars per day and abatement order.
See how Vashon's generator noise rules stack up against other locations.
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