Seattle Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.08 sets some of the lowest residential decibel thresholds among major US cities. The 45 dB nighttime limit is 5-10 dB lower than most comparable cities. This reflects Seattle's generally quieter ambient environment — fewer urban canyons, more tree cover, and less constant traffic than cities of similar size.

The measurement is taken at the receiving property rather than at the source or property line. This is an important distinction: if your music registers 50 dB inside your neighbor's bedroom, you're over the limit even if it's within bounds at the property line.

Seattle's enforcement falls under SDCI rather than the police department. This means a more methodical approach with formal complaints, investigations, and administrative hearings. The upside is more thorough documentation; the downside is that immediate nighttime enforcement is slower. Police can still respond to acute noise disturbances as a public nuisance, but they're less likely to carry decibel meters.