Amplified music rules in Tacoma, WA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Amplified music in Washington is regulated under the statewide Maximum Environmental Noise Levels, which set decibel caps at the property line based on receiving zone and time of day.
Although cities customize local rules, RCW 70.107 and WAC 173-60 set baseline limits enforceable everywhere. Amplified sound from a residential property to another residence may not exceed 55 dBA daytime or 45 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sound from commercial to residential drops to 57 dBA day and 47 dBA night. Public address systems and outdoor speakers are subject to these caps absent a permitted event exemption.
Civil penalties up to $100 per day under RCW 70.107.060, plus criminal disturbance charges under local ordinances.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 15-foot accessory-structure height limit in TMC 13.06 a...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. The Noise Code (TMC 8.122) applies to continuously running blower motors...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance at TMC 8.122 applies to any amplified ...
Tacoma, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Tacoma require building permits from Planning and Development Services (PDS) when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas pip...
Tacoma, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Tacoma single-family yards are permitted but subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section 9.11, ...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma adopts the International Fire Code through TMC Title 3 (Fire Prevention) as Tacoma Fire Code. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices...
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