Federal Way, WA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Federal Way, 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
- FWRC 7.10.020(3)
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Daytime standard
- Unreasonable disturbance of peace/comfort
- First-offense fine
- $100.00 civil infraction
- Related subsection
- 7.10.020(9): yard-maintenance quiet hours
Summary
FWRC 7.10.020(3) bars yelling, shouting, whistling, or singing on or near public streets between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., or at any time it unreasonably disturbs a neighbor's peace and comfort. It is one of nine specific public disturbance noises the city enforces as a civil infraction.
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from that property, sound that is a public disturbance noise.... (3) Yelling, shouting, whistling or singing on or near the 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 possessors 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 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
m. , and also at any time or place where it unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property. window is the presumptive quiet-hours period, but the daytime unreasonable-disturbance standard still applies outside it. weekends for residential lawn and yard maintenance sounds. 00 escalating penalty schedule for repeat violations of the same nature.
Violations & Fines
Yelling, shouting, whistling, or singing that disturbs neighbors between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., or at any time it unreasonably interferes with peace and comfort, is a civil infraction under FWRC 1.15.110: $100.00 first offense, $200.00 second, $300.00 third or subsequent, not including fees and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Federal Way's quiet hours for shouting or loud voices outdoors?
Can I be cited for loud talking outside quiet hours?
What is the penalty for violating quiet hours in Federal Way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
How Federal Way compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Federal Way 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.