For most industrial noise, Pierce County defers to the State. PCC 8.72.120.D states that, apart from motor vehicles, industrial-area noise is regulated by the State of Washington. The Chapter 8.76 EDNA table still caps industrial (Class C) source noise at 60-70 dBA at the receiver, with exemptions for established operations.
PCC 8.72.120.D provides that 'with the exception of motor vehicle noise, noise created by industrial areas is to be regulated by the State of Washington,' reflecting WAC 173-60. Where the county does apply limits, PCC 8.76.060 sets EDNA caps: a Class C (industrial) source may reach 60 dBA into Class A (residential) property, 65 dBA into Class B, and 70 dBA into Class C. PCC 8.76.070.B exempts noise from electrical substations and existing utility water/wastewater equipment, plus existing industrial installations that over the prior three years consistently ran more than 15 hours per day as a process necessity (hour changes need Noise Control Officer approval). The Washington Department of Ecology administers the state standard.
Industrial-noise complaints are handled through the state framework (Washington Department of Ecology) and, in the unincorporated county, the Noise Control Officer under Chapter 8.76. That officer may require operators to keep noise-emission records and take measurements (PCC 8.76.040).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Backyard residential composting is allowed and encouraged in Pierce County with no permit, but a compost pile that creates odor, attracts vermin, or otherwis...
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Pierce County has no ordinance specifically prohibiting or permitting synthetic/artificial turf on residential lots. Installation must still meet general zon...
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Pierce County encourages native and drought-tolerant plantings and requires native-vegetation retention on many development sites, but homeowners are free to...
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Rooftop rainwater collection is broadly allowed in Washington, and Pierce County has no ordinance prohibiting residential rain barrels or cisterns; larger sy...
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Pierce County government sets no county-wide residential watering schedule; outdoor watering rules are set by your water provider — mainly Tacoma Water and l...
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Every Pierce County landowner has an enforceable duty under RCW 17.10.140 to eradicate class A noxious weeds and control listed class B and C weeds. The Pier...
See how Pierce County's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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