SeattleNoise Ordinance & Quiet Hours
Last verified: July 6, 2026
Ordinances change and enforcement varies by jurisdiction. This is general information, not legal advice — always confirm details with the linked official source before relying on them.
Quiet hours
Weekdays: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Weekends: 10:00 PM – 9:00 AM (weekends and holidays)
Sound level limits drop by 10 dB(A) during these hours where the receiving property is in a residential district.
Decibel limits
55 dBA (day) / 45 dBA (night), residential. Base residential limit is 55 dBA; nighttime/quiet-hours limits are reduced by 10 dB(A) from the daytime baseline, measured at the receiving property line.
Governing ordinance
Seattle Municipal Code — Noise Control (SMC 25.08)
Enforcement
Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) Noise Code enforcement · Police non-emergency line for in-progress disturbances
For an in-progress disturbance, call the non-emergency police line. For a chronic issue, file with SDCI, which enforces the Noise Code.
Seattle sits under Washington's broader landlord-tenant law — see the Washington state page for habitability and quiet-enjoyment protections that apply regardless of city.
Ready to escalate? Document what's happening with a noise log and use the complaint letter generator to put it in writing.