Tacoma, WA Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Tacoma, WA, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Weekday quiet hours
- 9 p.m.–7 a.m., no construction
- Weekend/holiday quiet hours
- 9 p.m.–9 a.m., no construction
- Muffler requirement
- Required if commonly available
- After-hours limit
- Must meet § 8.122.060 dB limits
- First penalty
- $250 civil fine
Summary
Tacoma bars non-emergency construction and demolition work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays (9 a.m. on weekends/holidays) and requires mufflers on construction devices when commonly available, under TMC § 8.122.070.
All construction devices used in construction and demolition activity shall be operated with a muffler if a muffler is commonly available for such construction device. Construction and demolition activity, excluding emergency work, shall not be performed between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays or between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, except as otherwise provided in this code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
Tacoma bars non-emergency construction and demolition work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays. Construction devices must run with a muffler whenever one is commonly available for the device. After-hours work is still allowed as long as the noise created doesn't exceed the general ambient sound limits in TMC § 8.122.060(A): 10 dBA above ambient outdoors during the day, tighter at night. The Director can order sound testing and inspect devices or sites at any reasonable time to check compliance.
Violations & Fines
Civil violation; Notice of Violation with fines from $250 (first) up to $2,000 (fourth+) within 12 months; City permits/licenses can be suspended after two penalties in a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run construction equipment before 7 a.m. in Tacoma?
Do construction devices need mufflers in Tacoma?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
How Tacoma compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Construction Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle construction hours.