Lakewood, WA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LMC 8.36.010(B)(3)-(4)
- Yelling/shouting hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Party/music noise
- Any frequent, repetitive sound disturbing neighbors
- First penalty
- Up to $250.00 civil penalty
- Repeat penalty
- Up to $500.00 within 2 years
- Host liability
- Property possessor liable for noise from property
Summary
Lakewood, Washington's noise code bans yelling, shouting or singing near public streets between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and repetitive music, band sessions or social-gathering noise from any building that disturbs neighbors' peace, under LMC 8.36.010(B)(3)-(4). A first violation carries a civil penalty up to $250.00, rising to $500.00 for a repeat within two years.
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 possessors of real property. 4. The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds which emanate from any building, structure, apartment or condominium, which unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property, such as sounds from musical instruments, audio sound systems, band sessions or social gatherings. ... D. Penalty. ... Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $250.00; provided, that the penalty for a second or subsequent violation within a two-year period shall be a civil penalty of up to $500.00.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010(B) declares specific sounds to be 'public disturbance noises' that violate the chapter. ' Subsection 4 separately targets 'frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds which emanate from any building, structure, apartment or condominium, which unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property, such as sounds from musical instruments, audio sound systems, band sessions or social gatherings,' which reaches a loud house party regardless of the hour. A related provision, subsection 6, separately caps amplified audio equipment such as loudspeakers at being audible no more than 50 feet beyond the property boundary where it is being played, unless the property owner or occupant has consented. , and lawfully discharged fireworks. 010(A) separately bars any property possessor from allowing a public disturbance noise to originate from their property.
Violations & Fines
LMC 8.36.010(D) sets the penalty at a civil penalty of up to $250.00 for a violation, rising to up to $500.00 for a second or subsequent violation within a two-year period. Because subsection A also holds a 'person in possession of property' liable for allowing a public disturbance noise to originate there, a host can be cited even if a guest, not the host, is the one making the noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for a loud party in Lakewood even without a specific decibel reading?
Is there a curfew for yelling or shouting outside in Lakewood?
What's the fine for a second noise complaint at the same house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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