Amplified music rules in Kirkland, WA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Amplified music audible across property lines or in the public right-of-way is a public disturbance under KMC 11.84A. Bass, subwoofers, and outdoor speakers drawing complaints can trigger citations from Kirkland Police.
KMC 11.84A.010 specifically enumerates the use of sound amplification equipment, radios, televisions, musical instruments, and similar devices in a manner that causes sound to be audible on adjacent property as a public disturbance noise. Enforcement is complaint-driven and based on what a reasonable person would find unreasonable rather than a fixed decibel number, although Washington WAC 173-60 sets backup limits of 55 dBA at a residential receiving property daytime and 45 dBA at night. Low-frequency bass from subwoofers, which can be heard through walls and over long distances on the Lake Washington waterfront, is a common complaint in Moss Bay and Carillon Point condominium buildings. Commercial venues in downtown Kirkland Avenue with outdoor patios or rooftop speakers must comply with conditional use permit sound mitigation requirements. Private gatherings do not require permits, but the host is liable under KMC 11.84A if music disturbs neighbors.
First-contact warnings are common; continued amplified music after police contact is a KMC 11.84A civil infraction, and commercial venues can face conditional use permit review and suspension.
Kirkland, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle amplified music & events.
See how Kirkland's amplified music & events rules stack up against other locations.
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