Sammamish, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Sammamish, 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
- SMC § 8.15.020
- Standard
- Audible beyond 75 feet = public nuisance
- First-offense fine
- Up to $250 (§ 8.15.030)
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $1,000 within 12 months
- Exemption
- Permitted park events and festivals
Summary
Sammamish Municipal Code § 8.15.020 makes it a public nuisance to run audio equipment, radios, tape players or public address systems at a volume audible more than 75 feet from the source, whether the equipment is in a vehicle or fixed in place. A first violation draws a civil fine up to $250, rising to $1,000 for repeat offenses.
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from said property, sound that is a public nuisance. ... (4) Sound from motor vehicle public address or audio systems, such as, but not limited to, tape players, radios and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 75 feet from the source; and (5) Sound from audio equipment, such as, but not limited to, tape players, radios and compact disc players, whether portable or placed in a fixed location, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 75 feet from the source.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance O2026-598, and legislation passed through August 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
" The chapter carves out an exception for "regularly scheduled events at parks or stadiums, such as public address systems for baseball games or park concerts, or to community festivals or permitted parades," so a Sammamish-permitted event is not automatically a nuisance violation even if it is audible past 75 feet. 00 for a first offense," rising to "not to exceed $1,000" for a second or subsequent offense within any 12-consecutive-month period. 15 applies citywide, on any property, not only within city parks and open spaces.
Violations & Fines
Running audio equipment or a vehicle sound system audible beyond 75 feet from the source is an infraction under § 8.15.020, punishable by a civil fine up to $250 for a first offense under § 8.15.030. A second or later violation within any rolling 12-month period draws a civil fine up to $1,000, and permitted park events and community festivals are exempt from the nuisance definition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can I play music in Sammamish before it's a violation?
What's the fine for a noise nuisance violation in Sammamish?
Are park concerts or festivals exempt from Sammamish's noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sammamish
Compare Sammamish to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.