Sammamish, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Events (2026)

Amplified music is one of the few noise sources Sammamish addresses with a concrete metric. Under SMC 8.15.020 (Ordinance O2002-105), it is unlawful to allow sound that is a public nuisance to originate from property, and the listed nuisances include: "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," and the parallel item covering "sound from motor vehicle public address or audio systems" audible greater than 75 feet from the source. The ordinance therefore uses an audibility-distance test (75 feet) rather than a decibel reading, which makes it straightforward for responding deputies to apply. Importantly, the ordinance carves out an exemption: these provisions "shall not apply to 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." Sammamish provides police services through the King County Sheriff, which responds to amplified-music complaints; the City directs residents to call the non-emergency line (206-296-3311) while the noise is occurring.