Construction hours in Kent, WA — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Kent permits construction 7 AM to 8 PM under KCC 8.05 exemptions. Construction noise is exempt from the 55 dBA limit only in that window. Sunday work near residential areas is restricted.
Under KCC 8.05.100, sounds created by temporary construction, maintenance, or repair projects are exempt from the decibel limits of KCC 8.05.090 between 7 AM and 10 PM. In practice, Kent treats 7 AM to 8 PM as the reasonable construction window near residential areas. Outside that window, construction site noise must meet the 55 dBA residential daytime or 45 dBA nighttime receiving limit, which is effectively impossible for most heavy equipment. Residential homeowner projects such as lawn mowing, pressure washing, and small home improvements are similarly exempt between 7 AM and 10 PM. Emergency utility repairs and public works emergencies are exempt at all hours. Contractors working in the Kent Valley industrial corridor or on major warehouse and logistics projects must still meet the decibel limit at the property line of any adjacent residential zone outside the 7 AM to 10 PM window.
After-hours construction noise that exceeds WAC 173-60 limits at a residential receiving property is a civil infraction. Repeat violations can draw stop-work orders from Kent Development Services.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle construction hours.
See how Kent's construction hours rules stack up against other locations.
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