Chapter 9.18
NOISE REGULATIONS

Sections:

9.18.010    Public disturbance noises prohibited.

9.18.020    Exclusion.

9.18.030    Penalty.

9.18.010 Public disturbance noises prohibited.

A.    General Prohibition. It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession or control of property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise.

B.    Public Disturbances. The following sounds are public disturbance noises in violation of this chapter when the noise is received in residential districts between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. and the noise is plainly audible across a real property line or fifty feet from the source, whichever is less. For purposes of this code, “residential district” shall include single-family neighborhoods as well as zoning districts and land uses that are predominantly residential.

1.    The frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law.

2.    Frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine.

3.    Repetitive or continuous sounds from human voices, musical instruments, audio sound systems including those installed in motor vehicles, band sessions or social gatherings.

4.    The repetitive squealing, screeching or other such sounds from motor vehicle tires in contact with the ground or other roadway surface because of rapid acceleration, braking or excessive speed around corners or because of such other reason; provided, that sounds which result from actions which are necessary to avoid danger shall be exempt from this section.

5.    Sounds originating from construction, including but not limited to sounds from construction equipment, power tools and hammering, except in cases of emergency.

6.    Sounds relating to temporary projects for the maintenance or repair of homes, nonresidential premises, grounds and appurtenances, including but not limited to sounds from lawnmowers, leaf blowers, powered hand tools, snow removal equipment and composters.

7.    Frequent, repetitive or continuous noise made by any animal that is within the possession or control of any person. (Ord. 1982-0122 § 1, 2022; Ord. 1681-0806 § 1 (part), 2006)

9.18.020 Exclusion.

This chapter shall not apply to special events as defined by Section 5.46.010 and for which a permit has been issued subject to the provisions of Section 5.46.060. (Ord. 1982-0122 § 1, 2022; Ord. 1681-0806 § 1 (part), 2006)

9.18.030 Penalty.

Penalties for violation of this chapter shall follow the steps outlined below:

A.    For a first offense, the violator shall receive a verbal or written warning from an enforcement officer.

B.    A second offense shall constitute a Class 2 civil infraction under Chapter 7.80 RCW.

C.    For a third offense, the violator shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, the maximum penalty for which shall be ninety days in jail or a fine of one thousand dollars or both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 1982-0122 § 1, 2022; Ord. 1681-0806 § 1 (part), 2006)