Snohomish County, WA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- STR-specific noise cap
- None; character standard applies
- Character rule
- SCC 30.28.020(3)(e)
- General noise
- SCC Title 10 / WAC 173-60
- Night reduction
- About 10 dBA, 10pm-7am
- Risk
- Complaints threaten permit renewal
Summary
Snohomish County has no STR-specific noise cap, but SCC 30.28.020(3)(e) requires a bed-and-breakfast to be run so as not to disturb neighbors' peaceful occupancy. General county noise limits under SCC Title 10 and Washington's WAC 173-60 environmental noise standards also apply to the property.
The bed and breakfast establishment shall be conducted in such a manner as to give no outward appearance nor manifest any characteristics of a business, except as to the sign as allowed above, that would be incompatible with the ability of the neighboring residents to enjoy peaceful occupancy of their properties.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
SCC 30.28.020(3)(e) provides that the establishment shall be conducted so as "to give no outward appearance nor manifest any characteristics of a business... that would be incompatible with the ability of the neighboring residents to enjoy peaceful occupancy of their properties." Guest conduct that generates loud noise can therefore threaten permit compliance. Separately, the county public-disturbance noise code and the state maximum environmental noise levels in WAC 173-60 (which set daytime/nighttime dBA limits by zoning district) apply to any residence, including an STR. Nighttime limits are stricter, typically reduced by 10 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. in residential areas.
Violations & Fines
Noise complaints can trigger county code enforcement and, for a permitted B&B, jeopardize permit renewal; WAC 173-60 violations are enforceable as noise infractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a special noise limit for STRs?
Can noisy guests cost me my permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Snohomish County
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