Yakima, WA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- YMC § 6.04.180(D)(4)
- Audibility test
- Plainly audible 50 feet from property line
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor
- Relief option
- Noise permit from code administration office
Summary
Yakima makes it a misdemeanor to run a party loud enough to be plainly audible 50 feet past your property line, covering music, sound systems and social gatherings under the city's public disturbance noise law.
Musical Instruments, Sound Systems, Etc. The creation or allowing of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds which emanate from any building, structure, residence, apartment or condominium which unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort and repose of others, or which is plainly audible greater than fifty feet from the edge of the source's property line, such as sounds from musical instruments, audio sound systems, television sounds, band sessions or social gatherings.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Yakima Municipal Code § 6.04.180(D)(4), noise from musical instruments, sound systems, television sounds, band sessions or social gatherings that unreasonably disturbs neighbors, or that carries plainly audible past fifty feet from the source's property line, is a public disturbance noise. Violating it is a misdemeanor under subsection (H). A host who needs to run a genuinely loud event can apply to the office of code administration for a noise permit under subsection (G), which weighs hardship to the applicant against the burden on neighbors before granting temporary relief.
Violations & Fines
Public disturbance noise is a misdemeanor citable by Yakima police on their own observation; each occurrence can be charged separately, and exceeding a granted permit's terms is a separate violation under § 6.04.180(G)(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Yakima police break up a loud party without a neighbor complaint?
Is there a specific decibel limit for parties in Yakima?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.