Olympia, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Olympia, 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
- OMC § 9.16.020(D)(5) and (D)(6)
- Audibility trigger
- Audible greater than fifty feet from the vehicle or source
- Portable audio condition
- Applies if not operated upon the operator's property
- Exemption
- Regularly scheduled park events, such as park concerts
- Decibel number in § 9.16.020
- None; distance test only
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor: fine up to one thousand dollars, ninety days, or both
Summary
In the City of Olympia, Washington, OMC § 9.16.020(D) makes it disorderly conduct when motor vehicle audio or portable audio equipment is audible greater than fifty feet away. The portable rule applies only when the equipment is not operated on the operator's own property, and regularly scheduled park events are exempt.
D. Causes a public noise disturbance or is in possession and control of property on which a public noise disturbance occurs. The following sounds are determined to be public noise disturbances: ... 5. Sound from motor vehicle audio sound systems, such as tape players, radios, and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than fifty feet from the vehicle itself. 6. Sound from portable audio equipment, such as tape players, radios, and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than fifty feet from the source, and if not operated upon the property of the operator. The foregoing provisions shall not apply to regularly scheduled events at parks, such as public address systems for baseball games or park concerts.
Full Breakdown
Olympia does not set a decibel number for music in its disorderly conduct section. It uses a distance test instead. Under OMC 9.16.020(D), a person is guilty of disorderly conduct if, without lawful authority, the person knowingly causes a public noise disturbance or is in possession and control of property on which a public noise disturbance occurs. Two of the listed disturbances cover amplified sound directly.
Subsection D.5 covers sound from motor vehicle audio sound systems, such as tape players, radios, and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than fifty feet from the vehicle itself. Subsection D.6 covers sound from portable audio equipment of the same kinds, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than fifty feet from the source, and if not operated upon the property of the operator. That last clause matters in the City of Olympia: a boom box on a park bench or sidewalk is measured at fifty feet, while the same equipment on the operator's own property falls outside D.6. Sound from a home is not left unregulated, though. Subsection D.4 separately reaches frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds emanating from any building, structure, apartment, or condominium that unreasonably interfere with the peace, comfort, and repose of owners or possessors of real property, naming musical instruments, audio sound systems, band sessions, and social gatherings.
The code carves out one exemption: the listed provisions do not apply to regularly scheduled events at parks, such as public address systems for baseball games or park concerts. Section 9.16.020 also closes with a proviso that its list of acts and noises is not to be construed as excluding other acts and noises which offend the public peace.
Land-use noise is a separate layer. OMC 18.40.080(B) sets property-line limits by reference to WAC 173-60, "Maximum Environmental Noise Levels," through Table N, which applies to permitted uses and activities in the Unified Development Code. Chapter 8.32 sets dBA caps for vehicle exhaust but not for audio equipment.
Violations & Fines
Disorderly conduct is a Title 9 offense, and OMC 9.64.010(A) makes any violation of a Title 9 chapter a misdemeanor, with a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars, imprisonment not to exceed ninety days, or both, unless the offense is designated a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor under 9.64.010(B) carries a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars, imprisonment up to three hundred sixty-four days, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can car stereo music be in Olympia?
Can I play a portable speaker at the park in the City of Olympia?
Does the fifty-foot rule protect me from a neighbor's loud stereo?
What is the penalty for amplified sound violations in Olympia?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olympia
Compare Olympia to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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