King County, WA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Short-term rental operators in unincorporated King County must ensure guests comply with the county noise ordinance, codified in KCC 12.86 and KCC 12.88. KCC 12.86 prohibits public disturbance noises, including loud music or parties that unreasonably disturb other residents, barking dogs, loud vehicles, and amplified sound. KCC 12.88, modeled after Washington state noise regulations (WAC 173-60), sets maximum permissible environmental noise levels measured at the property line of the receiving property. In residential (Class A) zones, the daytime limit is 55 dBA from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, dropping to 45 dBA overnight from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. Weekends and holidays follow the same standard. Hosts should include explicit quiet hours in the rental agreement, post them in the rental, and limit outdoor amplified sound after 10 pm. Hot tub use, outdoor gatherings, firepits, and parking-lot conversations after 10 pm are common sources of complaints. The Sheriff's Office and King County Noise Compliance (through the Department of Local Services) handle complaints. Short-term rentals located near international airports (SeaTac) are also subject to airport overlay rules. Cities within King County, such as Seattle and Bellevue, have their own STR noise rules that differ from county standards and apply inside city limits.