In unincorporated Pierce County, PCC 8.76.060 adopts Washington's WAC 173-60 decibel table: for a residential (Class A) source and receiver the daytime limit is 55 dBA, dropping 10 dBA to roughly 45 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Limits rise for commercial and industrial property.
PCC Chapter 8.76 implements the state Noise Control Act (RCW 70.107) and mirrors WAC 173-60. PCC 8.76.060.B.1 sets limits by the Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) of both source and receiver: Class A to A = 55 dBA; A to B = 57; A to C = 60; B to B = 60; B to C = 65; C to A = 60; C to C = 70 dBA. Class A is residential, B commercial, C industrial. PCC 8.76.060.B.2 cuts the limit 10 dBA for Class A receivers 10 p.m.-7 a.m. PCC 8.76.060.B.3 allows brief bursts over the limit: 5 dBA for 15 minutes, 10 dBA for 5 minutes, or 15 dBA for 1.5 minutes per hour.
The county Noise Control Officer (Health Department) enforces the Chapter 8.76 limits using sound-level measurements. Measured exceedances above the applicable EDNA limit are violations; enforcement can include orders, citations, and penalties. Disturbance noise goes to the Sheriff under Chapter 8.72.
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See how Pierce County's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
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