All commercial projects in Seattle must meet the requirements of the Noise Ordinance, which establishes acceptable noise levels for each land use zone. The Noise Ordinance was developed to control the level of the noise in a way which promotes commerce, rest and relaxation, and the use, value, and enjoyment of property and the environment.

DPD Enforces Seattle Noise Ordinance
Staff in the Noise Abatement Program at the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) are responsible for enforcing the Noise Ordinance. Development projects are screened during plan or permit review for potential noise issues, particularly those projects located on the edge of a commercial zone that abuts a residential zone, where noise concerns are more likely to occur. Mitigation measures for major noise generators are required for such projects.

Noise-Abatement Resources
The site provides the following noise abatement resources:

• text of the Seattle Noise Ordinance
• information on sound and maximum permissible noise levels
• instructions on applying for a temporary noise variance
• tips on mitigating noise in commercial projects
• instructions on filing a noise complaint