DPD's Noise Abatement Program
Exterior Sound Level Limits

Seattle Quiet Hours: Except when allowed by DPD Noise Variance

Required quiet hours by the Seattle Noise Ordinance are:

  • 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m., weekdays
  • 10:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m., weekends and holidays*
Construction and maintenance activities within 100 feet of occupied Multi-family and neighborhood commercial zones (Low-rise, Mid-rise, High-rise, Residential-Commercial and Neighborhood-Commercial)  is not allowed during the following hours:
 
  • 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m., weekdays
  • 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m., weekends and holidays*
High impact construction is not allowed during the following hours:
 
  • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m., weekdays
  • 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 a.m., weekends and holidays*
Some construction projects may have MUP or SEPA noise restrictions. If you have a concern about construction noise, noise from mechanical equipment, or a commercial facility in the Seattle city limits, you may file a complaint with DPD by contacting Code Compliance or discussing it with one of our Noise Abatement Coordinators.
 

 * Holidays are New Year's day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day and the day after, and Christmas day.

 

Noise Variances

A Temporary Noise Variance for construction, maintenance or other activity outside of these hours may be granted for short periods of time. If the project does not exceed exterior sound level limits, a noise variance is not required. To determine whether your work is exempt from The Noise Ordinance and could be allowed at any time, contact a Noise Abatement Coordinator.

Exterior Sound Level Limits

The exterior sound level limits within the City of Seattle for all types of sounds are listed in decibels in the tables below. 

DAYTIME (7 a.m. - 10 p.m.)

District of Sound Source

 

District of Receiving Property
ResidentialCommercialIndustrial
Residential
55
57
60
Commercial
57
60
65
Industrial
60
65
70

WEEKNIGHTS (10 p.m. - 7 a.m.)
WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS* (10 p.m. - 9 a.m.)

District of Sound Source

 

District of Receiving Property
ResidentialCommercialIndustrial
Residential
45
57
60
Commercial
47
60
65
Industrial
50
65
70

 * Holidays are New Year's day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day and the day after, and Christmas day.

Last Updated: December 8, 2011