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

010(B)(6) targets fixed and portable amplified sound directly: "Sound from audio equipment, such as loud speakers, amplification equipment, tape players, radios and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 50 feet from the source and not operated upon the property of the operator or with the knowledge, permission or consent of the owner or legal occupant of the property" is a public disturbance noise. If the equipment IS operated on the operator's own property, or with the owner's or occupant's knowledge, permission or consent, the standard shifts outward: the sound must not be audible more than 50 feet from the boundary of that property.

The section also builds in a business-friendly presumption: any sound from fixed or portable audio equipment in or of a business is presumed to be with the knowledge, permission or consent of the property's owner or legal occupant, though that presumption can be rebutted with contrary evidence. Read alongside subsection (B)(4), which separately reaches frequent or continuous sounds from musical instruments, audio systems, band sessions or social gatherings emanating from a building, apartment or condominium that unreasonably disturb a neighbor's peace, Lakewood effectively regulates amplified music both by a fixed distance test (outdoor speakers, PA systems) and by a disturbance test (indoor gatherings and instrument noise).