Construction hours in King County, WA — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Construction in unincorporated King County is permitted 7 AM to 10 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 8 PM weekends under KCC Title 12. The Permitting Division can issue temporary variances for up to 14 days. Construction outside these hours is a noise violation.
Under KCC Title 12, construction activities in unincorporated King County are limited to 7 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 8 PM on weekends and holidays. These hours are notably more generous than many nearby cities (e.g., Seattle allows construction only until 7 PM). The King County Permitting Division enforces construction noise limits and can issue a temporary variance for up to 14 days if the requested variance does not significantly affect a substantial number of people or endanger public health or safety. Construction matters should be reported to the Permitting Division at 206-296-6600. The 2015 Ordinance 18000 simplified construction noise enforcement by relying on strict hour limits rather than complex decibel measurements.
Construction noise outside permitted hours is a noise infraction. Fines escalate with repeated violations within a 12-month period. Temporary variances available for up to 14 days through the Permitting Division.
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See how King County's construction hours rules stack up against other locations.
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