Yakima, WA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard used
- "Plainly audible" beyond 50 feet, not dB
- Commercial/industrial noise
- Exempt under (F)(16)
- Construction exemption hours
- 6am-10pm weekdays, 8am-10pm Sun/hol.
- Violation class
- Misdemeanor (subsection H)
- Permit available
- Office of code administration, hardship test
Summary
Yakima's public disturbance noise ordinance skips decibel meters: YMC § 6.04.180 instead bans sound that is "plainly audible" more than 50 feet from its source for music, sound systems and vehicle stereos, while exempting lawfully established commercial and industrial noise and daytime construction under subsection F.
D. Specific Noises Prohibited. ... 4. Musical Instruments, Sound Systems, Etc. The creation or allowing of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds which emanate from any building, structure, residence, apartment or condominium which unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort and repose of others, or which is plainly audible greater than fifty feet from the edge of the source's property line ... "Plainly audible" means a sound easily understood or identified; 5. Motor Vehicle Sound Systems. Sound from motor vehicle audio sound systems ... operated at a volume so as to be plainly audible greater than fifty feet from the vehicle itself. ... F. Exemptions. The following sounds are exempt from the provisions of this chapter: ... 16. Sounds created by lawfully established commercial and industrial uses; ... H. Public disturbance noise is a misdemeanor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
180, is built that way. Subsection D lists sounds treated as prohibited public disturbance noise, including, at (D)(4), sound from "musical instruments, audio sound systems, television sounds, band sessions or social gatherings" that is "plainly audible greater than fifty feet from the edge of the source's property line," and at (D)(5)-(6), motor vehicle and portable audio equipment played loud enough to be "plainly audible greater than fifty feet from the vehicle itself" or, on private property, from that property's line. " Subsection F then carves out eighteen categories of exempt noise, including, at (F)(16), "sounds created by lawfully established commercial and industrial uses," meaning ordinary noise from a factory, warehouse or business operating as zoned isn't policed under this chapter at all, no matter how far it carries. m. Sundays and legal holidays" under (F)(15). "
Violations & Fines
Public disturbance noise is a straight misdemeanor under YMC § 6.04.180(H), exposing a violator to Yakima's general Title 6 penalty framework. Joining or participating in an activity that violates the terms of a noise permit is separately unlawful under § 6.04.180(G)(2). Because there's no meter threshold, enforcement turns on the "plainly audible... fifty feet" distance test and the ten disturbance factors (time of day, duration, frequency, and the character of the affected area) listed in subsection E.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Yakima measure noise in decibels?
Is factory or business noise exempt from Yakima's noise ordinance?
Can I get a permit to make noise that would otherwise violate the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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