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Seattle, WA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code section
SMC 25.08
Weekday quiet hours
10pm to 7am
Weekend quiet hours
10pm to 9am
Base fine
$250
Response billing
Second call within 90 days

Summary

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.

What It Isn't — We do not enforce the Seattle Municipal Code sections that cover loud noises from horns or sirens, motor vehicles, musical instruments, human voices, car stereos, watercraft, or official special events. Contact the Seattle Police Department, (206) 625-5011, for these types of noise problems. For barking dogs and other animal noise, call the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-7387.

Source: Seattle Department of Construction and InspectionsView official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be cited without a decibel reading?
Yes. SPD may cite under the public-disturbance subsection when noise is plainly audible at a distance and disturbs reasonable people, with no instrument reading required.
What is the cost-recovery rule for parties?
If officers must return for a second loud-party call at the same address within 90 days, the host can be billed for the actual cost of the police response in addition to any fines.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Seattle

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsPublic UrinationHeavy RestrictionsPublic Marijuana UseSignificant RestrictionsLoitering RulesSignificant RestrictionsJaywalkingFew RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseSignificant RestrictionsAggressive PanhandlingSome RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesLight RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Seattle rules

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