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

Section 9.16.045, 'Public nuisance noise prohibited,' declares that 'no person, whether or not that person is in actual possession of the noise source, shall create, continue, or cause to be created or continued any public disturbance noise.' Subsection (C) then lists 15 specific sounds that automatically qualify. The first, (C)(1), covers 'any sound made by the use of a musical instrument or other device capable of producing sound when struck by an object, a whistle, or a sound amplifier or other device capable of producing, amplifying or reproducing sound' coming from a building, structure, or property, once the hour and distance thresholds are crossed: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. in the central business district, 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. everywhere else, and audible beyond 50 feet.

A first violation, under § 9.16.070(A), draws only a verbal or written warning describing the requirements of the chapter; a second or later violation after that notice is a misdemeanor under § 9.16.070(B), tied to the general penalty at § 9.02.020(C). Section 9.16.050 exempts daytime residential maintenance, utility repair, and construction noise from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and § 9.16.060 lets an applicant obtain a special permit through Development Services, filed at least 45 days ahead of a planned event and limited to two permits per location per calendar year, to exceed these limits for a specific date and time.