Unincorporated King County adopts WAC 173-60 decibel limits: 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime for Class A residential receiving property. Higher limits apply in commercial and industrial receiving zones.
King County Code Chapter 12.86 directly adopts the Washington State Department of Ecology Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) system. WAC 173-60-040 sets the maximum permissible sound levels measured at the boundary of the receiving property. Class A (residential) receiving property limits are 55 dBA day (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA night (10 PM-7 AM). Class B (commercial) receiving is 60 dBA day and 55 dBA night. Class C (industrial) receiving is 70 dBA day and night. Source-receiver combinations determine the applicable limit: Class B source to Class A receiver uses 57/47 dBA, Class C source to Class A receiver uses 60/50 dBA. Daytime excursions are allowed: 5 dB over for 15 minutes per hour, 10 dB over for 5 minutes per hour, 15 dB over for 1.5 minutes per hour. Measurements use A-weighted scale with a slow response meter. Impulsive sounds (peaks) measured on fast response cannot exceed the applicable limit by more than 15 dB.
Civil infraction under KCC 23.02 after warning. Fines 100-500 dollars per day. Commercial violators face higher penalties up to 1,000 dollars per day and potential business license review.
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