Bellingham, WA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise cap
- 55 decibels (dBA)
- Measured at
- Within 5 feet of property line
- Setback ban
- No equipment within 3 feet of line
- Applies in
- RS and RM residential zones
Summary
Bellingham caps mechanical equipment noise at 55 decibels near property lines in residential single and multi-family zones, on top of a separate ban within 3 feet of the line.
Mechanical equipment is prohibited within three feet of a common property line with another lot. The maximum permissible noise level for mechanical equipment located within five feet of a common property line is 55 decibels (dBA).
C. For corner lots, the front yard shall be that yard which abuts a designated arterial. If neither or both of the abutting streets are designated arterials, the builder/owner shall have the option of selecting the front yard. The remaining yard shall be the side yard on a flanking street.
D. Whenever the right-of-way width is below minimum standards as specified in ordinance No. 8027, the centerline for setback purposes shall be the farthest edge of the existing right-of-way which was dedicated by the subject property. [Ord. 2024-02-002 § 2; Ord. 2011-07-036; Ord. 9024, 1982].
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
In residential single (RS) and residential multi (RM) development, the city's yard-encroachment standards bar mechanical equipment such as air conditioning or heat pump units from sitting within three feet of a common property line, and cap the noise from equipment placed within five feet of that line at 55 decibels (dBA). The city's separate general public disturbance noise ordinance (BMC 10.24.120) uses a reasonableness standard rather than a numeric decibel figure, so this 55 dBA cap is Bellingham's one hard numeric noise limit tied to a specific zoning standard.
Violations & Fines
Installing or operating mechanical equipment that exceeds 55 dBA within 5 feet of a common property line, or placing it within 3 feet of the line, violates the yard-encroachment standard and can be enforced through code compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a citywide decibel limit in Bellingham?
How close can my heat pump be to my neighbor's yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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