Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Snohomish County

Snohomish County, WA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Industrial → residential (day)
60 dB(A) / 60 dBA (WAC)
Industrial → commercial
65 dB(A)
Industrial → industrial
70 dB(A)
Night reduction
Minus 10 dBA for Class A
State rule
WAC 173-60-040

Summary

Industrial-source noise received on residential property in unincorporated Snohomish County is capped at 60 dB(A) daytime (SCC 10.01.030(2)), dropping 10 dB(A) at night. Washington's WAC 173-60-040 mirrors this: Class C source into Class A residential receiving is limited to 60 dBA, minus 10 dBA nighttime.

City-specific rules exist: Everett, Marysville, Edmonds, and Lynnwood have their own decibel limits rules that differ from Snohomish County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

No person shall cause or permit noise to intrude into the property of another person which noise exceeds the maximum permissible noise levels set forth below in this section. ... 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.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

SCC 10.01.030(2) sets a 60 dB(A) daytime limit for industrial-source noise received on residential property (65 dB(A) for commercial receiving, 70 dB(A) for industrial receiving). The state standard, WAC 173-60-040, provides identical numbers by EDNA class: Class C (industrial) source into Class A (residential) receiving is 60 dBA, into Class B is 65, into Class C is 70. Both cut the residential/Class A limit by 10 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. New commercial and industrial builders are advised of the ordinance and urged to design in noise abatement (SCC 10.01.070).

Violations & Fines

County civil infractions carry a $100/$250 penalty, doubled for repeats within three years. The state Noise Control Act (Chapter 70.107 RCW) and Department of Ecology also enforce WAC 173-60 limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can a factory be at a nearby home?
60 dB(A) daytime at the residential property boundary under SCC 10.01.030(2), matching WAC 173-60-040's Class C-to-Class A limit; it drops to 50 between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Do county and state limits differ?
They align. WAC 173-60-040 sets the same 60/65/70 dBA EDNA-class table and the same 10 dBA nighttime cut for Class A residential receiving property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Snohomish County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Snohomish County rules

Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview

Get notified when Decibel Limits in Snohomish County, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Decibel Limits in Cities Across Snohomish County

Edmonds, WAEverett, WALynnwood, WAMarysville, WA