King County, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Plainly audible threshold
- 50 feet from source (300 ft watercraft)
- Governing section
- K.C.C. 12.86.410.A.6, public disturbance noise
- First offense fine
- Up to $125 civil infraction
- Applies only in
- Unincorporated King County, not Seattle
- Enforced by
- King County sheriff or director
Summary
In unincorporated King County, amplified bass that's plainly audible or felt 50 feet from the source (300 feet for watercraft) in a residential or rural district is a public disturbance noise violation under K.C.C. 12.86.410.
Frequent, repetitive or continuous sound...where the sound is plainly audible or can be felt at fifty feet or more from the source of sound, or three hundred feet or more if the source of sound is from a watercraft, when the sound is received in a residential or rural district..."plainly audible" means any sound that can be detected by unaided hearing faculties of normal acuity, including...being able to detect the rhythmic bass component of music coming from a sound amplifier regardless of whether the title, specific words or artist performing the song can be identified
Full Breakdown
King County Code section 12.86.410.A.6 singles out bass: sound is 'plainly audible' if you can detect the rhythmic bass component of music from an amplifier at fifty feet or more from the source, regardless of whether the title, words or artist are identifiable, or three hundred feet or more if the source is a watercraft, when received in a residential or rural district. Meeting that test alone makes it a public disturbance noise, a civil infraction under K.C.C. 12.86.700, enforced by the sheriff or the director per K.C.C. 12.86.600. No decibel meter reading is required once the rhythmic-bass test is met.
Violations & Fines
First violation within 12 months: civil infraction up to $125. Second: up to $250. Each further violation within 12 months: up to double the prior fine, per K.C.C. 12.86.700.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does King County's noise rule specifically mention bass?
Does this rule cover Seattle or other cities?
What's the penalty for a first violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.