Tacoma, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- For PA systems & musical acts
- Decibel cap
- 90 dB at 50 feet
- Boundary cap
- 90 dB at park boundary
- Issued by
- Metro Parks Tacoma Director
- No permit
- Amplified sound in a park is a violation
Summary
Tacoma parks require a permit for public address systems and musical acts; permitted bands and performers are capped at 90 decibels measured 50 feet away and at the park boundary under TMC § 8.27.050.
Permits issued for musical acts or bands shall specify that the noise/sound level emitting from such act or band shall be no greater than 90 decibels at or beyond 50 feet from the act or band and in no event greater than 90 decibels at the boundary of the park. Any person claiming to have a permit issued hereunder must produce and exhibit such permit upon the request of any authorized person who may desire to inspect the same. (Ord. 19224 § 2, 1970-11-04; Ord. 24165 § 3, 1988-08-16; Ord. 28615 Ex. A, 2019-10-01)
Full Breakdown
Tacoma parks require a permit from the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma before anyone uses a public address system or other sound-amplifying device: doing so without one is itself a Park Code violation. When a permit is issued for a musical act or band, TMC § 8.27.050 caps the sound at 90 decibels measured at or beyond 50 feet from the performers, and never more than 90 decibels at the park's boundary regardless of distance. The Park Code is a joint exercise of City and Metro Parks Tacoma police power covering all city parks, beaches and recreation facilities.
Violations & Fines
Using a PA system or amplified sound in a park without a permit is a Park Code violation; exceeding the 90 dB permit condition can void the permit and trigger enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold an outdoor concert in a Tacoma park?
Is a PA system allowed in Tacoma parks without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle amplified music & outdoor sound.