In Spring 2009, the City Council and Mayor adopted changes to the Noise Code to:

• Improve enforcement when there are complaints
• Limit hours for noisy construction
• Address noise generated by major public projects
• Update the code to be consistent with current technology

Chapter 25.08 of the Seattle Municipal Code addresses noise control. The amendments to this chapter, contained in Ordinance 122923, were signed by the Mayor on March 10, 2009. Following a mandatory review by the State Department of Ecology, the new rules went into effect on June 15, 2009.

Highlights of the updated Noise Code include:

Better enforcement: DPD’s noise abatement staff now have more tools to address noise complaints. The new tools include citations (fines), stop work orders, the ability to revoke a noise variance, and the ability to impose civil penalty fines on violators. These strengthen enforcement with the goal of reducing noisy disruptions in neighborhoods, especially at night.

Earlier quitting times for noisy construction in some zones: The new rules set a 7 p.m. quitting time (rather than 10 p.m.) for noisy construction work in the Lowrise, Midrise, Highrise and Neighborhood Commercial zones. These are the most common zones for larger construction projects around the city.

Noise provisions for major public projects: A noise variance process allows DPD to require mitigation unique to noisy activity associated with the construction of major projects such as for the light rail system. The new process includes requirements for upfront analysis, effective noise management and mitigation techniques, and public notification and input. DPD's Director's Rule 3-2009 has been drafted to provide more information about the various noise variance processes, including for major public projects. For more information, visit the Noise Abatement website.