Spokane County, WA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Industrial to residential
- 60 dBA (day)
- Industrial to residential (night)
- 50 dBA
- Industrial to commercial
- 65 dBA
- Industrial to industrial
- 70 dBA
- Enforcer
- County + WA Ecology
Summary
Industrial and commercial noise reaching homes in Spokane County is governed by WAC 173-60. An industrial (Class C) source may emit up to 60 dBA at a residence, 65 dBA at commercial property, and 70 dBA at another industrial property, with a 10 dBA night reduction for residential receivers.
Class C (industrial) source EDNA to Class A receiving: 60 dBA; to Class B receiving: 65; to Class C receiving: 70. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the noise limitations of the foregoing table shall be reduced by 10 dBA for receiving property within Class A EDNAs.
Full Breakdown
WAC 173-60-040 sets limits by source and receiver EDNA class. Class C (industrial) sources are capped at 60 dBA at a Class A residence, 65 dBA at Class B commercial property, and 70 dBA at Class C industrial property. Between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., limits at residential receivers drop 10 dBA (industrial-to-residential falls to 50 dBA). WAC 173-60-030 classifies storage, manufacturing and agricultural operations as Class C. The Department of Ecology and the county enforce these environmental-noise standards.
Violations & Fines
Industrial noise over WAC 173-60 limits is a nuisance enforceable by the county and Ecology; persistent violations can bring abatement orders and penalties. Complaints via county code enforcement and Ecology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a factory be at my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.