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Pasco, WA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Restricted hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Governing section: PMC 9.130.030(3)(j)
Standard applied: disturbance across residential boundary
Utility equipment exemption: PMC 9.130.050(2)(a)
Penalty: up to $250; $250-500 repeat within 2 yrs

Summary

Pasco bars air conditioners, fans, and blowers from causing a noise disturbance across a residential property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The same nighttime rule covers powered saws, drills, sanders, and lawn tools.

(j) Any sound made by operating or permitting the operation of any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool or air conditioner, fan or blower, or similar device used in residential areas between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day so as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential boundary.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).

Full Breakdown

" HVAC equipment, meaning air conditioners, fans, and blowers, is grouped with power tools rather than regulated in a standalone mechanical-equipment section, and the standard is a disturbance crossing a residential property boundary rather than a fixed decibel figure. 040 if a complaint is filed, capped at 55 dBA when both the source and receiving property are Class A residential zones, rising to 57 or 60 dBA if the receiving property is commercial or industrial. 050(2)(a), a narrower carve-out than the general HVAC/fan rule and limited to utility infrastructure rather than building-mounted HVAC units. 080, since it is not listed among the complaint-exempt subsections.

Violations & Fines

A violation of PMC 9.130.030(3)(j) is a civil infraction under PMC 9.130.090, with a civil penalty of up to $250 per violation and each day of continuing noise treated as a separate violation. A second offense within a two-year period draws an enhanced penalty of $250 to $500. Complaints must come from an identifiable resident, owner, or employee of the affected area before enforcement proceeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run my air conditioner at night in Pasco?

Yes, unless it causes a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. PMC 9.130.030(3)(j) groups air conditioners, fans, and blowers with power tools under that nighttime disturbance standard.

Does Pasco set a decibel limit for HVAC units?

Not a unit-specific limit. HVAC noise falls under the general environmental noise table in PMC 9.130.040, capped at 55 dBA between Class A residential properties during the day, with the nighttime disturbance standard of PMC 9.130.030(3)(j) applying after 10:00 p.m.

Is utility equipment noise exempt from this rule?

Existing stationary equipment used by a utility to convey water, wastewater, or natural gas is exempt from the noise-level table under PMC 9.130.050(2)(a), but that exemption is narrower than the general HVAC/fan rule and does not cover ordinary building-mounted units.

Sources & Official References

[1]Pasco Municipal Code 9.130.030

Other rules in Pasco

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight Restrictions

All Pasco rules

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