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

Lakewood regulates short-term rental noise through two layered code sections. LMC 18A.40.090 (Lodging) requires every licensed STR to post a Good Neighbor Policy in the main living space that explicitly addresses noise restrictions and quiet hours, gives 24/7 contact information for the local responsible party, and is provided to guests at booking. The underlying enforcement standard is LMC Chapter 8.36 (Noise Control), which adopts the Washington State Department of Ecology environmental noise rules in Chapter 173-60 WAC. Under those rules, the maximum permissible sound level for a residential (Class A EDNA) source measured at a residential receiving property is 55 dBA, with a 10 dBA reduction between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., which is the city's de facto quiet-hours window. LMC 8.36 separately provides that frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds emanating from any non-transportation, non-construction use shall not exceed 75 dBA at the property lines and prohibits public-disturbance noises such as yelling, loud music, and amplified sound that unreasonably disturb neighbors. STR operators are responsible under their business license for guest conduct, and persistent, verified noise complaints can be cited in administrative action against the STR permit issued under LMC 18A.40.090. Active disturbances are reported to Lakewood Police non-emergency dispatch via South Sound 911.