Franklin County, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Franklin County, 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
- Frequent/repetitive/continuous sound disturbing a reasonable person
- Applies in
- Residential areas of unincorporated county
- Near-school buffer
- 1,000 feet
- Max criminal penalty
- $1,000 fine and/or 90 days jail
- Civil infraction alternative
- $50 per day per violation
Summary
Playing a radio, car stereo, musical instrument or amplifier in a residential area of unincorporated Franklin County so it emanates frequently, repetitively or continuously and disturbs a reasonable person's peace is a public noise disturbance, punishable by up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.
A.It is unlawful for any person to make, continue, cause to be made, or to allow to originate from real property in the possession of said person, any sound which creates a noise disturbance.B.The following sounds are determined to be public noise disturbances:1.Sounds created by use of a radio, car stereo, portable stereo or audio device, television set, musical instrument or multiple musical instruments, sound amplifier, whistle, internal-combustion engine, or any other device capable of producing or reproducing sound, which emanate frequently, repetitively or continuously from any building, structure, or property located within a residential area, or from a motor vehicle on property located within a residential area, and which annoy or disturb the peace, comfort, or repose of a reasonable person of normal sensitivity
Full Breakdown
010(A) makes it unlawful for anyone to make, continue or allow to originate from their real property any sound that creates a noise disturbance. Subsection B lists specific categories deemed public noise disturbances, the first of which covers sounds from a radio, car stereo, portable stereo or audio device, television, musical instrument or multiple instruments, sound amplifier, whistle, internal-combustion engine, or any other sound-producing or reproducing device, when the sound emanates frequently, repetitively or continuously from a building, structure or property in a residential area, or from a motor vehicle on residential-area property, and annoys or disturbs the peace, comfort or repose of a reasonable person of normal sensitivity.
Other listed disturbances include a horn or siren not used as a warning, loud or raucous sound within 1,000 feet of a school, hospital, sanitarium or nursing facility, and outdoor sound that interferes with normal conversation 75 feet or more away. 04. m.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 8.24 is a misdemeanor under 8.24.030(A), punishable by up to 90 days in the Franklin County jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. As an alternative, 8.24.030(B) allows treating the same conduct as a civil infraction carrying a $50-per-day penalty, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense; infraction hearings are held in Franklin County district court under RCW 7.80.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for playing music outdoors in Franklin County?
What is the penalty for a noise complaint in unincorporated Franklin County?
Are home repair noises exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin County
Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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