Quiet hours in Seattle, WA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.08 prohibits excessive noise. Nighttime quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM weekdays and 10 PM–9 AM on weekends and legal holidays. Nighttime noise limits are reduced 10 dBA from daytime levels in residential districts.
SMC 25.08 sets dBA limits that vary by zone. In residential zones, daytime limits apply 7 AM–10 PM weekdays and 9 AM–10 PM weekends; nighttime limits (reduced 10 dBA) apply during quiet hours. Violations are $150–$1,000 for first offense, doubling for subsequent violations. During Seattle quiet hours, noise audible beyond the property line that disturbs a reasonable person is subject to citation. Enforcement balances subjective-disturbance standards with decibel-based thresholds. Report violations to Find It Fix It / CSR at (206) 684-2489 or the police non-emergency line. Document the times, duration, and nature of the noise.
1st violation: $150–$1,000. Subsequent violations: doubled fines.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle quiet hours.
See how Seattle's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.