Everett, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Everett, 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
- Standard
- Plainly audible, not a decibel limit
- Distance
- Across property line or 50 ft
- Covers
- Audio equipment, instruments, band sessions, outdoor events
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor; gross misdemeanor after 3 in 365 days
- Citation
- EMC § 20.08.090(B)(3)
Summary
Everett bars frequent, repetitive or continuous sound from audio equipment, musical instruments, band sessions and outdoor events once it's plainly audible across a property line or 50 feet from the source: no decibel meter needed to enforce it.
The following sounds, unless specifically exempted from this chapter, are prohibited if the sound is plainly audible across a real property line or fifty feet from the source, whichever is less: ... 3. The frequent, repetitive and/or continuous sounds, such as sounds from audio equipment, television, video equipment, musical instruments, band sessions, outdoor events and/or social gatherings.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
EMC 20.08.090(B)(3) treats repeated or continuous sound from audio equipment, TVs, video equipment, musical instruments, band sessions and outdoor events as a public nuisance noise once it's plainly audible across a real property line or 50 feet from the source, whichever is less. Everett uses this audibility test instead of a fixed decibel limit, so an enforcement officer doesn't need a sound meter reading to cite a violation. A first offense is a misdemeanor; three or more noise misdemeanors within 365 days makes the next violation a gross misdemeanor. The city's separate motor-vehicle noise chapter (EMC 20.08.060-.080) covers factory sound limits for cars and motorcycles, not amplified music equipment.
Violations & Fines
Amplified sound plainly audible across a property line or 50 feet away is a misdemeanor nuisance-noise violation; repeat violations within a year escalate to a gross misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Everett set a decibel limit for amplified music?
Are outdoor concerts or festivals exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
Compare Everett to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.