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Seattle Noise Regulations and Complaint Guide

Residential-to-residential sound references depend on time and zoning. Construction hours vary by work type and district.

Content reviewed: . Original research snapshot: 2026-10-27. Individual source capture and online-check dates are listed below.

Where to start

  1. Use the official complaint page to choose the category that matches the observed source.
  2. Record dates, duration, receiving location and factual context; phone sound levels are reference readings.
  3. Keep the Service Request number if one is issued, and follow the agency’s instructions for any follow-up.
Open official Seattle guidance (opens a new tab)

SDCI complaint line / Seattle Police non-emergency: SDCI 206-615-0808; SPD 206-625-5011

For immediate danger, use local emergency services. For other incidents, follow the official page’s category and police-response instructions.

Rules by sound source

All times are local to Seattle (America/Los_Angeles). Allowed work hours, restricted windows and periods when a standard applies have different meanings. Check zoning, holidays, permits and exceptions in the cited source.

general

Residential-to-residential soundRule with conditions

Residential source to residential receiving property

Provision: Seattle Municipal Code §§25.08.410–25.08.420; SDCI Tip 137 exterior sound-level examples

Measurement point: receiving property line

  • 55 dBA · 55 dBA at property line

    Daytime

    Standard period: Mon-Fri, 07:00–22:00

  • 55 dBA · 55 dBA at property line

    Daytime

    Standard period: Sat-Sun & holidays, 09:00–22:00

  • 45 dBA · 45 dBA at property line

    Nighttime

    Standard period: Mon-Fri, 22:00–07:00 (ends the following day)

  • 45 dBA · 45 dBA at property line

    Nighttime

    Standard period: Sat-Sun & holidays, 22:00–09:00 (ends the following day)

SMC 25.08.410 Table B; different source/receiver zone combinations have other limits.

The 55/45 dBA examples are for the specified source/receiver zoning combination, not every Seattle sound.

construction

Construction hours by work and zoneRule with conditions

Construction and maintenance

Provision: SDCI Noise Codes / Noise Abatement FAQ — construction and impact-work hours

Measurement point: n/a

  • allowed window

    General construction

    Allowed work window: Mon-Fri, 07:00–22:00

    Area: General (outside multifamily/NC zones)

  • allowed window

    General construction

    Allowed work window: Sat-Sun & holidays, 09:00–22:00

    Area: General (outside multifamily/NC zones)

  • allowed window

    Multifamily/neighborhood commercial zones

    Allowed work window: Mon-Fri, 07:00–19:00

    Area: Lowrise/Midrise/Highrise/Residential-Commercial/Neighborhood Commercial

  • allowed window

    Multifamily/neighborhood commercial zones

    Allowed work window: Sat-Sun & holidays, 09:00–19:00

    Area: Lowrise/Midrise/Highrise/Residential-Commercial/Neighborhood Commercial

  • allowed window

    Impact construction (pile driving, jackhammers, etc.)

    Allowed work window: Mon-Fri, 08:00–17:00

    Area: Impact work (all zones)

  • allowed window

    Impact construction

    Allowed work window: Sat-Sun & holidays, 09:00–17:00

    Area: Impact work (all zones)

Impact work is limited to 8-5 weekdays and 9-5 weekends/holidays; some zones end at 7pm.

The 55/45 dBA examples are for the specified source/receiver zoning combination, not every Seattle sound.

refuse

Commercial garbage collectionRule with conditions

Commercial garbage and recycling collection in/near residential zones

Provision: SDCI Noise Abatement FAQ — commercial garbage collection

Measurement point: residential zone or adjacent property

  • no collection before 07:00 or after 22:00

    Prohibited window

    Restricted window: Daily, 22:00–07:00 (ends the following day)

Enforced by Seattle Public Utilities Solid Waste Compliance (206-684-3000).

The 55/45 dBA examples are for the specified source/receiver zoning combination, not every Seattle sound.

amplified sound

Amplified-event noise variancePermit-specific

Amplified sound during quiet hours

Provision: SDCI Noise Abatement FAQ — temporary noise variance for special events

Measurement point: n/a

  • temporary noise variance required for permitted special events on public property

    Quiet hours

    Standard period: Mon-Fri, 22:00–07:00 (ends the following day)

  • temporary noise variance required for permitted special events on public property

    Quiet hours

    Standard period: Sat-Sun & holidays, 22:00–09:00 (ends the following day)

SDCI cannot issue a variance for a private party/residential disturbance.

The 55/45 dBA examples are for the specified source/receiver zoning combination, not every Seattle sound.

Official sources and review context

Saved-source review and online retrieval are different checks. Some sites block automated retrieval; an unavailable recheck is shown below. Open the official source to confirm the current wording and any later amendments.

Related Practical Guides

Document recurring noise

Keep a factual chronology for management or official follow-up.

Phone measurement limits

Understand reference readings and prescribed official measurements.

Start with one clear record.

Recording is free; new PDF reports require Pro. Your records stay on your phone until you choose to share.

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