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Yakima, WA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Amplified music rules in Yakima, 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

Hours
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Exceptions
City manager approval required
Scope
Applies only to permitted special events
Citation
YMC § 9.70.090(6)(N)

Summary

Yakima limits amplified outdoor music and entertainment at permitted special events to the hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with exceptions only if the city manager approves a staff recommendation.

Outdoor music and entertainment shall be limited to performing between the hours of ten a.m. and ten p.m. Exceptions to the time constraints may be made if recommended by the economic development manager and approved by the city manager. The event producer/applicant is required to provide the schedule of artists and entertainers to the city no later than forty-five days prior to the event or as soon as the artists are known to the event producer;

(O) The number, type and location of portable sanitation facilities, including a description of the number and location of waste receptacles, including receptacles for disposal of food waste, wastewater and grease;

(P) Other equipment or services necessary to conduct the special event with due regard for participant and public health and safety, including but not limited to accommodations for access and use by disabled persons;

(Q) Provisions for first aid or emergency medical services, or both, based on special event risk factors;

(R) Insurance and surety bond information;

(S) Any special or unusual requirements that may be imposed or created by virtue of the proposed special event activity;

(T) The marketing plan with proposed timelines associated with marketing the activity to the general public, together with proposed plan for signage advertising the event. If a permit for street banner is requested, a complete application for such banner pursuant to Chapter 15.08 YMC;

(U)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).

Full Breakdown

As part of the same special event permit application requirements, Yakima restricts outdoor amplified music and entertainment to the hours of ten a.m. to ten p.m. The economic development manager can recommend, and the city manager can approve, exceptions to that window. The restriction applies only to permitted special events with a sound management plan on file: routine amplified sound in residential or commercial areas is instead governed by the separate 'plainly audible' noise standard in YMC § 6.04.180.

Violations & Fines

Breaching the outdoor-music hours condition is a misdemeanor under YMC § 9.70.310, punishable by up to a $500 fine, 90 days in jail, or both, and can void the special event permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Yakima special event run amplified music past 10 p.m.?
Only if the economic development manager recommends and the city manager approves an exception; otherwise outdoor music and entertainment must stop by 10 p.m. under YMC § 9.70.090(6)(N).
Does this hours limit apply to bars or backyard parties?
No: it applies only to city-permitted special events; ordinary residential and commercial sound is regulated separately under the public disturbance noise section, YMC § 6.04.180.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Yakima

All Yakima rules

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