Pasco sets maximum permissible noise levels in PMC 9.130.040 by adopting the Washington State standard (WAC 173-60-040): roughly 55 dBA into residential (Class A) property by day, reduced 10 dBA to about 45 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Pasco's numeric noise limits come from PMC 9.130.040 (Maximum permissible environmental noise levels), which incorporates Washington State's environmental noise standard in Chapter 173-60 WAC. The state uses the EDNA framework (Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement): residential zones are Class A, commercial zones are Class B, and industrial zones are Class C. Under WAC 173-60-040, the maximum permissible sound a source may send into another property depends on both zones. Noise received in residential (Class A) property is capped at 55 dBA when it comes from another Class A source, 57 dBA from a Class B (commercial) source, and 60 dBA from a Class C (industrial) source. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., these limits are reduced by 10 dBA for receiving property in Class A EDNAs (so the residential-to-residential cap drops to about 45 dBA at night). Short bursts are allowed above the base limit: +5 dBA for up to 15 minutes per hour, +10 dBA for up to 5 minutes per hour, or +15 dBA for up to 1.5 minutes per hour. Measurements are taken in dBA on a sound level meter at a point within the receiving property. Because Pasco adopts these by reference, the decibel limits are enforceable city rules, with the underlying figures set by state law.
Noise exceeding the WAC 173-60-040 limits adopted in PMC 9.130.040 is a violation; measurement is in dBA at the receiving property, enforced via the City and police non-emergency line.
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