Bothell, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Bothell, WA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Distance test
- Audible greater than 75 feet from the source
- Vehicle audio systems
- BMC 8.26.060(I)
- Other audio equipment
- BMC 8.26.060(J)
- Street advertising amplifiers
- Barred, except vendors selling only from a moving vehicle
- Amplified sound in parks
- Written permit from the parks and recreation director (BMC 8.60.370)
- Variance
- Not available for BMC 8.26.060
Summary
In the City of Bothell, Washington, amplified music and audio equipment become a public nuisance when the sound is audible more than 75 feet from its source. The rule reaches car stereos, home and portable audio equipment, and sound amplifiers used on public streets for advertising. Scheduled park and stadium events, festivals and permitted parades are exempt.
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from said property, sound that is a public nuisance. ... E. The use of a sound amplifier or other device capable of producing or reproducing amplified sound on public streets for the purpose of commercial advertising or sales or for attracting the attention of the public to any vehicle, structure or property or the contents therein, except that vendors whose sole method of selling is from a moving vehicle shall be exempt from this subsection; ... I. Sound from motor vehicle audio systems, such as, but not limited to, tape players, radios, and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 75 feet from the source; J. Sound from audio equipment, such as, but not limited to, tape players, radios and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 75 feet from the source; K. The foregoing provisions shall not apply to regularly scheduled events at parks or stadiums, such as public address systems for baseball games or park concerts, or to community festivals or permitted parades.
Full Breakdown
Bothell Municipal Code § 8.26.060 makes it unlawful for any person to cause sound that is a public nuisance, or for any person in possession of property to allow that sound to originate from the property. Three subsections of that list reach amplified sound.
Subsection I covers sound from motor vehicle audio systems, such as tape players, radios and compact disc players, operated at a volume audible greater than 75 feet from the source. Subsection J applies the same 75 foot test to audio equipment outside a vehicle, with the same examples. Subsection E bars the use of a sound amplifier or other device capable of producing or reproducing amplified sound on public streets for commercial advertising or sales, or to attract the attention of the public to any vehicle, structure or property or its contents. The one exemption in E is for vendors whose sole method of selling is from a moving vehicle.
Subsection K carves out regularly scheduled events at parks or stadiums, such as public address systems for baseball games or park concerts, along with community festivals and permitted parades.
Inside City of Bothell parks a separate rule applies. BMC 8.60.370 makes it unlawful to operate a powered public address system, an amplified music speaker system or other means of amplified sound in any park area without a written permit from the parks and recreation director or the director's designee. Battery operated portable radios and tape players are permitted in parks, provided they are not operated at a volume or in any manner that unreasonably disturbs the peace of others and cannot be heard 75 feet from the source.
When two or more persons with separate residences in a neighborhood state in writing that someone is violating § 8.26.060, BMC 8.26.070 directs the code enforcement officer to advise the person originating the noise, or owning or possessing the property it comes from, that the noise is a nuisance and must cease. Under BMC 8.26.090(A), variances are not granted for any requirement of § 8.26.060.
Violations & Fines
Noise offenses in Chapter 8.26 BMC other than motor vehicle operation offenses are civil infractions enforced under Chapter 11.20 BMC (BMC 8.26.100(B)). Each day a violation continues or is repeated is a separate offense. BMC 11.20.010 sets a maximum civil penalty of $250.00 per day for each violation, and the director can reduce it once the violation is corrected and verified. These remedies are cumulative with any other claim or remedy under the Bothell Municipal Code or common law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can my car stereo be heard in Bothell?
Does the 75 foot rule cover speakers at home?
Can a business use a loudspeaker on Bothell streets to attract customers?
Do park concerts and festivals have to meet the 75 foot limit?
Can I get a variance for loud music in the City of Bothell?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bothell
Compare Bothell to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.