Amplified music rules in Pierce County, WA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
In unincorporated Pierce County, PCC 8.72.090.F makes loud and raucous amplified sound - from an instrument, amplifier, band session, tavern, or social gathering - a public disturbance noise when it frequently or continuously disturbs neighbors. It applies at any hour and is enforced by the Sheriff on complaint.
PCC 8.72.090.F prohibits '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' when it unreasonably disturbs nearby property. PCC 8.72.090.D bans amplified sound on public streets for commercial advertising, and PCC 8.72.090.E bars loud, raucous sound within 1,000 feet of a school, hospital, or nursing facility. The chapter applies at all hours, on complaint (PCC 8.72.120.B.1). Amplified music can also be measured against the Chapter 8.76 limits. Cities regulate amplified sound under their own codes.
Amplified-music complaints go to the Sheriff's Office, pursued only on a complaint from a resident, owner, renter, or worker in the affected area (PCC 8.72.120.B.1). Enforcement usually starts with a warning; a persistent venue can face penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Pierce County's amplified music & events rules stack up against other locations.
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