Benton County, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Amplified sound, like any other source, is measured under Benton County's plainly-audible standard rather than a decibel limit. 040 makes it unlawful to cause or allow any public nuisance noise to originate from personal or real property when it is plainly audible within a dwelling unit that is not the source, or is generated within 200 feet of any dwelling, and it annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the health, comfort, repose, peace or safety of others. 050 exempts a specific list of sound sources regardless of that test, including sounds created by construction or refuse removal equipment, sounds from officially sanctioned parades and public events, sounds originating from officially sanctioned activities at the Benton-Franklin County Fairgrounds, and sounds from motor vehicle racing events at authorized facilities; harvesting, farming, ranching, agricultural, industrial and commercial activity sounds are exempt as well.

Outside those carve-outs, a stereo, PA system or live band loud enough to be plainly heard inside a neighboring house, or audible within 200 feet of any home, and that disturbs someone can be cited. 060 authorizes the county sheriff to enforce the ordinance and issue a civil infraction notice on observation or witness report. 070 sets a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation plus restitution for damages, escalating to a misdemeanor for a second or subsequent violation.