Federal Way, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

020, Public disturbance noise, treats sound from car and portable stereos as a distinct category from the general disturbance test used elsewhere in the section. Subsection (5) makes it a violation for motor vehicle audio sound systems, such as tape players, radios, and compact disc players, to be operated at a volume audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle itself, a distance-based test that does not require proof the sound disturbed a specific listener. Subsection (6) applies the identical 50-foot audibility threshold to portable audio equipment, such as tape players, radios, and compact disc players, and adds a second condition: the equipment must not be operated upon the property of the operator, so a portable stereo played loudly on the operator's own land, without spilling audible sound past 50 feet onto others, does not violate this subsection even if bass carries.

Both subsections sit alongside subsection (4), which separately reaches frequent or continuous sounds, including from musical instruments or audio systems, emanating from a building, apartment, or condominium that unreasonably disturbs a neighbor's peace and comfort. 00 third-or-subsequent penalty schedule.