Kennewick, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Kennewick, 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
- License trigger
- 500+ expected attendees
- License type
- Class II license
- Application deadline
- 15 days before the event
- Sound plan
- Required for noise-impact events
- Penalty
- $25-$500 plus license action
Summary
Kennewick treats amplified musical instruments, sound systems, and band or social-gathering noise as regulated nuisance noise under KMC 9.52.030(2), and any outdoor musical entertainment expecting 500-plus attendees needs a Chapter 6.47 license with a City-approved sound management plan.
(d)Loud or raucous, and frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds created by use of a musical instrument, or other device capable of producing sound when struck by an object, a whistle, or a sound amplifier or other device capable of producing, amplifying, or reproducing sound; ... (g)Loud or raucous, and frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds which emanate from real property ... such as sounds from audio equipment, television set, video equipment, musical instruments, band sessions and/or social gatherings.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
KMC 9.52.030(2)(d) and (g) list loud, frequent musical instruments, sound amplifiers, band sessions, and social gatherings as examples of 'unnecessary or unusual noise' that can support a misdemeanor nuisance-noise charge. Separately, KMC 6.47.030 requires a Class II license before anyone organizes outdoor musical entertainment or a festival assembly reasonably expected to draw 500 or more people; KMC 6.47.060 requires a sound management plan for events with expected noise impacts, reviewed by the License Officer. Licensed events under Chapter 6.47 are exempt from the Table I decibel limits in KMC 9.52.060(1) if the License Officer recommends and the City Manager approves an exception.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed outdoor musical entertainment or festival assemblies over 500 people violate KMC 6.47.030 and can bring license denial, suspension, or a $25-$500 penalty under KMC 6.47.100; unpermitted amplified noise is separately a misdemeanor under KMC 9.52.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for outdoor live music in Kennewick?
Can amplified backyard music still get me cited without a permit threshold?
Can a licensed concert exceed Kennewick's normal decibel limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
Compare Kennewick to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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