Auburn, WA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Auburn, WA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ACC 8.28.010(B)(3)
- Curfew window
- 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Covered conduct
- Yelling, shouting, whistling, singing
- First-offense penalty
- Civil penalty up to $250
- Repeat penalty
- Up to $500 within two years
- Exempt events
- Permitted parades, special events, park PA 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Summary
Auburn treats yelling, shouting, whistling or singing on or near public streets as a public disturbance noise, particularly between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., or at any time it unreasonably disturbs a neighbor's peace and comfort. ACC 8.28.010(B)(3) sets this nighttime curfew, enforced by Auburn police with civil penalties escalating to a misdemeanor for repeat offenders.
3. Yelling, shouting, whistling or singing on or near public streets, particularly between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. or at any time and place as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or occupants of real property;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
ACC 8.28.010(B)(3) singles out yelling, shouting, whistling or singing on or near public streets as a public disturbance noise, with the nighttime window between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. named specifically as when such sounds are most likely to violate the chapter. The provision also reaches the same conduct at any hour if it unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace and comfort of property owners or occupants, so the 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. window is an aggravating factor rather than a strict on/off switch.
This sits inside the broader public disturbance noise chapter, which under subsection D exempts city-sanctioned parades under Chapter 10.64 ACC, special events under Chapter 2.23 ACC, and park public address systems between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. from the whole chapter, including the nighttime shouting rule. Auburn police and code enforcement officers respond to complaints and can cite violators under ACC 8.28.020, which sets a civil penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for a second offense within two years.
A person cited three or more times at the same location within a 12-month period faces prosecution as a misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010 rather than a further civil infraction. Each day a violation continues can support a separate citation.
Violations & Fines
A first citation for shouting or singing near public streets after 10:00 p.m. carries a civil penalty of up to $250 under ACC 8.28.020; a second citation within two years can reach $500. Three or more violations at the same address within 12 months elevate any further citation to a misdemeanor charge under ACC 1.24.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Auburn's noise curfew only apply after 10 p.m.?
Can I be cited for singing loudly on my own porch?
Are permitted block parties exempt from the quiet hours rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
Compare Auburn to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle quiet hours.