Clark County, WA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Industrial to residential
- 60 dBA daytime
- Industrial to commercial
- 65 dBA
- Industrial to industrial
- 70 dBA
- Night reduction (residences)
- -10 dBA (to 50 dBA)
- State rule
- WAC 173-60-040
Summary
Industrial noise reaching a Clark County residence is capped by WAC 173-60-040 at 60 dBA (45 dBA drop does not apply to industrial-zone receivers, but residences get the 10 dBA night cut). Persistent industrial noise disturbing neighbors is also a public disturbance under CCC 9.14.010.
Where applicable, proof of violation of the noise level limitations set out in Chapter 173-60 WAC shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
Full Breakdown
Washington's WAC 173-60-040 sets noise limits by receiving-property class. A residential (Class A) property may receive up to 60 dBA from an industrial (Class C) source, dropping 10 dBA (to 50 dBA) between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. A commercial receiver may get 65 dBA and an industrial receiver 70 dBA from industrial sources. Clark County adopts these under CCC 9.14.010, where exceeding WAC 173-60 is prima facie evidence of a violation. Facility siting and land-use noise are also addressed in the Title 40 development code.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding WAC 173-60 industrial levels is prima facie proof of a CCC 9.14.010 misdemeanor ($250 / 90 days); Department of Ecology may separately enforce WAC 173-60.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a factory be at my home?
Who enforces industrial noise limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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