Thurston County, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Thurston County, 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 events drawing 1,000+ people
- Application fee
- $500, filed 45-180 days ahead
- Distance rule
- 500 yards from any home
- Hours
- None midnight to 10 a.m.
- Penalty
- Gross misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine
Summary
Thurston County requires a permit before holding any outdoor music festival outside city limits, with mandatory distance, hours, and safety conditions.
No person, persons, partnership, corporation, association, society, fraternal or social organization shall:
(1)Allow, conduct, hold, maintain, permit or participate in a music festival, without the limits of incorporated cities or towns in Thurston County, unless a valid permit has been obtained for the operation of such music festival; or(2)Encourage, promote or cause to be advertised a music festival, proposed to be located without the limits of incorporated cities or towns in Thurston County, unless preliminary approval, as herein provided, has been granted. One such permit shall be required for each music festival and such permit shall be effective for as many consecutive days as such music festival is in operation, or where such music festival is not in operation on consecutive days, such permit is effective only for a single day. Any person, persons, partnership, corporation, association, society, fraternal or social organization, failing to comply with the rules, regulations or conditions contained herein shall be subject to the civil and/or criminal penalties provided for herein.
(Ord. 4019 § 3, 1970)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 77).
Full Breakdown
Any outdoor musical event lasting four or more hours in a single day, or eight or more hours across two consecutive days, that draws or is expected to draw 1,000 or more people counts as a 'music festival' under Chapter 10.64 of the Thurston County Code. Organizers need a permit from the Board of County Commissioners, a cash or surety bond starting at $20,000, contracted sheriff's deputies for crowd and traffic control, and a site at least 500 yards from any home and 1,000 yards from a school or church. Operating hours are capped between 10 a.m. and midnight, and liquor is banned on the grounds.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision or permit condition is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, one year in county jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to outdoor concerts inside Olympia or Lacey?
How far ahead must a music festival permit be requested?
What happens without the required permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thurston County
Compare Thurston County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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