Yakima County, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Yakima 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
- Residential Limit
- 55 dBA day / 45 night
- Private Party
- No permit needed
- Exceedances
- Brief, on a sliding scale
- State Law
- Governed by WAC 173-60
Summary
Amplified music in unincorporated Yakima County must stay within WAC 173-60 property-line noise limits (55 dBA day, 45 dBA night for residential). No person may let sound intrude onto another's property above those limits.
No person shall cause or permit noise to intrude into the property of another person which noise exceeds the maximum permissible noise levels set forth below in this section.
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Yakima County regulates amplified sound through WAC 173-60, adopted in County Code Chapter 6.28. Music must not push noise across a property line above the maximum limits, 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA at night for residential receiving property. Brief exceedances are allowed under a sliding scale, but sustained loud amplification is not. Public events may need permits from the county or the host city. The City of Yakima applies its own disturbance rules within city limits.
Violations & Fines
Amplified sound exceeding property-line limits is enforceable under WAC 173-60 and county nuisance code. Warnings come first; repeat violations bring civil penalties or permit conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard party?
How loud can event music be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima County
Compare Yakima County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.