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Cowlitz County, WA Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Construction hours in Cowlitz County, WA, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.

Key Facts

Exempt construction hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Governing chapter: CCC 10.25 Noise Control
Primary enforcer: Cowlitz County Sheriff
First infraction penalty: $75.00
Third+ infraction penalty: $300.00
Public works exemption: Exempt at any hour, § 10.25.050(A)(10)

Summary

In unincorporated Cowlitz County, construction sounds are exempt from the noise ordinance only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Outside that window, or when noise reaches a rural residential area at night, construction activity (including blasting) counts as a public noise disturbance under CCC § 10.25.040(B)(3) unless a disturbance exemption permit issued under CCC § 10.25.050 covers the work.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Cowlitz County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Public Noise Disturbances, at Night in Rural, Residential Areas. Sounds resulting from the following activities are determined to be public noise disturbances when they occur at night and noise is received on property in any rural, residential area. ... Construction activity, including blasting, unless a public disturbance exemption permit pursuant to CCC § 10.25.050 is obtained. ... Sounds created by construction, other than public works projects, between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

View official code

Full Breakdown

25, Noise Control, was adopted by Ord. on weekends, making "night" the remaining hours. 050. 050(A)(10). 040(A)(1) and (3), with all county departments authorized to assist.

Violations & Fines

A first violation of the public disturbance rules in CCC § 10.25.040 is a civil infraction carrying a $75.00 penalty under CCC § 10.25.070(B); a second infraction is $150.00, and a third or subsequent infraction is $300.00. Failing to respond to a notice of infraction adds a further $25.00 fee. Under CCC § 10.25.080 the Prosecuting Attorney may instead charge repeated or serious violations as a misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hours can construction crews make noise in unincorporated Cowlitz County?

Construction noise (other than public works projects) is exempt from the county noise ordinance between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. under CCC § 10.25.050(A)(11). Outside those hours it can be treated as a public noise disturbance under CCC § 10.25.040(B)(3) unless a disturbance exemption permit is obtained.

Can I get a permit for nighttime construction work?

Yes. CCC § 10.25.040(B)(3) allows nighttime construction, including blasting, if the operator first obtains a public disturbance exemption permit under CCC § 10.25.050. Without that permit, nighttime construction noise reaching a rural residential area is a violation.

What are the penalties for violating construction noise hours?

CCC § 10.25.070(B) sets civil penalties of $75.00 for a first infraction, $150.00 for a second, and $300.00 for a third or later infraction, plus a $25.00 fee for failing to respond to the notice. Repeated violations can instead be charged as a misdemeanor under CCC § 10.25.080.

Sources & Official References

[1]Cowlitz County Code, Chapter 10.25 (eCode360)

Other rules in Cowlitz County

Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome Restrictions Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Aircraft NoiseFew Restrictions Barking DogsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Cowlitz County rules

How Cowlitz County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Cowlitz County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview

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