Seattle's noise code SMC 25.08 sets nighttime residential quiet hours of 10pm-7am weekdays (10pm-9am weekends) and authorizes officers to cite or shut down loud parties as public disturbance noise, with escalating fines and possible response-cost reimbursement.
SMC 25.08.500 defines public disturbance noise to include loud and raucous parties, amplified music, repeated shouting, and barking dogs. Daytime residential limits are 55-60 dBA at the property line; nighttime limits drop ten decibels. Officers may issue notices of violation without dB measurements when the noise is plainly disturbing. Repeat-call premises can be designated chronic nuisance properties, and Seattle's Loud and Unruly Gathering provisions allow billing the host for the second police response within 90 days.
Civil penalties start at $250 for residential disturbance and double for repeats within a year. Hosts of loud and unruly gatherings may be billed for police response costs (often $500+) and face misdemeanor charges if minors with alcohol are present.
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