Kitsap County, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Kitsap 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
- Governing section
- KCC 10.28.145(3)(4)(5)
- Audibility threshold
- Clearly heard 50+ feet away
- Enforcing agency
- Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
- Complaint required
- Yes, except portable-audio complaints
- Max penalty
- 90 days jail or $250 fine
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Kitsap County only
Summary
In unincorporated Kitsap County, sound amplifiers, band sessions, tavern music and portable audio equipment count as unlawful "public disturbance noise" under KCC 10.28.145 once they unreasonably disturb neighbors or, for vehicle and portable audio gear, carry beyond 50 feet. The Sheriff's Office enforces the rule on a complaint basis.
(3) Use of a sound amplifier or other device capable of producing or reproducing amplified sound upon public streets for the purpose of commercial advertising or sales or for attracting the attention of the public to any vehicle, structure, or property or the contents therein except as permitted by law...; (4) Any loud and raucous sound made by use of a musical instrument, whistle, sound amplifier, or other device capable of producing or reproducing sound which emanates frequently, repetitively or continuously from any building, structure or property, such as sound originating from a band session, tavern operation, or social gathering, and which unreasonably disturb, or interfere with the peace, comfort and repose of possessors of real property in the area affected by such noise; (5) Noise from portable or motor vehicle audio equipment... where the volume of such audio equipment is such that it can be clearly heard by a person of normal hearing at a distance of fifty feet or more from the source of the sound.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4864424; v0 updated 2025-12-08; through 12-08-2025).
Full Breakdown
" Subsection (3) prohibits using a sound amplifier or similar device on public streets to advertise, sell, or draw attention to a vehicle, structure, or property, though vendors who sell exclusively from a moving vehicle are exempt. Subsection (4) targets "loud and raucous sound" from a musical instrument, whistle, sound amplifier, or similar device that emanates frequently, repetitively, or continuously from a building, structure, or property, such as a band session, tavern operation, or social gathering, when it unreasonably disturbs or interferes with a neighboring property owner's peace, comfort and repose.
Subsection (5) covers portable or motor-vehicle audio equipment, tape players, radios, or CD players, in parks, residential and commercial zones, or any area near residences, schools, human service facilities, or businesses, where the volume can be clearly heard by a person of normal hearing at a distance of 50 feet or more from the source; portable audio equipment used in a public park under a valid event permit is exempt. 146, the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office enforces these subsections, and a sound-level meter reading is not required to prove the offense.
145, enforcement proceeds only after a complaint from someone who resides or works in the affected area, except that anyone affected by portable-audio noise under subsection (5) may file the complaint. These rules apply only to unincorporated Kitsap County; Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island enforce their own separate noise codes.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of KCC 10.28.145 is a misdemeanor under KCC 10.28.150, punishable by up to 90 days in the county jail, a fine of up to $250, or both, with each day of continuing violation charged as a separate offense. The prosecuting attorney may instead pursue it as a Class I civil infraction under KCC 10.28.140(c), or seek an abatement order requiring removal of the nuisance within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified music at a party in unincorporated Kitsap County?
Is there a decibel limit for amplified sound in Kitsap County?
Do I need a permit to use a sound amplifier for a street sale in Kitsap County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kitsap County
Compare Kitsap County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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