Construction Times Allowed
Construction times allowed by the Seattle Noise Ordinance are:
- 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Friday
- 9 a.m.-10 p.m., weekends and holidays
If you have a concern about construction noise or noise from mechanical equipment, a commercial facility, or operational machinery anywhere in the Seattle city limits, you may file a complaint with DPD by calling one of our noise coordinators. For more options, see Filing a Complaint about a Potential Code Violation.
Noise Variances
A noise variance for construction outside of these hours may be granted for short periods of time. Additionally, certain types of construction are allowed at any time (e.g., interior work that does not include impact or impulse noise and is being performed with windows and doors shut). To determine whether your work is exempt from the Noise Ordinance and would be allowed at any time, contact a Noise Abatement Coordinator.
Maximum Permissable Noise Levels
The maximum permissible noise levels 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 | ||
| Residential | Commercial | Industrial | |
|
Residential
|
55 |
57
|
60
|
|
Commercial
|
57 |
60
|
65
|
|
Industrial
|
60 |
65
|
70
|
|
WEEKNIGHTS (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) |
|||
|
District of Sound Source
|
District of Receiving Property | ||
| Residential | Commercial | Industrial | |
|
Residential
|
45 |
57
|
60
|
|
Commercial
|
47 |
60
|
65
|
|
Industrial
|
50 |
65
|
70
|
For information on common sounds and their decibel measurements, refer to the Sound Levels and Human Response chart.
