Noise pollution — Frequently asked questions for residents

A: Yes, the rules are:

• Chapter 173-58 WAC, Sound Level Measurement Procedures.
• Chapter 173-60 WAC, Maximum Environmental Noise Levels.
• Chapter 173-62 WAC, Motor Vehicle Noise Performance Standards.

In addition, the state law can be found in Chapter 70.107 RCW, Noise Control Act.

A: Noise or sound is measured in decibels (dB or dBA). The “A” filter (dBA) is the one most frequently used because it best matches the range of human hearing. An instrument called a sound-level meter is used to measure the decibel level. It is designed to respond in approximately the same way as the human ear and gives an objective assessment of sound-pressure level.

A: If you are in a residential area, the maximum allowed amount of noise coming into the property depends on its source.

Noise Source

• Residential receiving property to Residential = 55dBA, Commercial= 57dBA, Industrial= 60dBA
• Commercial - Residential= 57dBA, Commercial= 60dBA, Industrial= 65dBA
• Industrial - Residential = 60dBA, Commercial= 65dBA, Industrial= 70dBA

If you are in a commercial area, the maximum allowed amount of noise coming into the property is 57dBA from a residential area, 60dBA from another commercial area, and 65dBA from an industrial area.

If you are in an industrial area, the maximum allowed amount of noise coming into the property is 60dBA from a residential area, 65dBA from a commercial area, and 70dBA from another industrial area.

Your local noise ordinance may have different maximum dBA levels. When the local noise ordinance is different, those are the standards and limits that apply.

A: Yes. State law requires off-road and other non-highway vehicles use specified noise-muffling devices (see RCW 46.09.120(1)(e), maximum limits and test procedures). State agencies and local governments may adopt regulations governing the operation of non-highway vehicles on property, streets, or highways within their jurisdiction, provided they are not less stringent than state law (see RCW 46.09.180, regulation by local political subdivisions).

A: Here is a list of common noise levels.

• Airport plan take-off - 120dB
• Rock concert - 105dB
• Lawn Mower - 100dB
• Blender - 90dB
• Garbage disposal - 80dB
• Traffic noise - 70-80dB
• Vacuum - 70dB
• Office - 60-65dB
• Library - 35dB
• Breathing - 10dB

A: Local noise ordinances can differ, when necessary, from the rules we have issued due to local conditions. Local governments are encouraged to develop their own noise ordinances (a county or city law) and dedicate funding and personnel to enforce those standards. When the local noise ordinance is different, the standards and limits in the local noise ordinance will apply. If something is not covered by the local noise ordinance, then Ecology’s rules apply.

A: If your local government has not adopted a noise ordinance then Ecology’s noise rules apply and are enforceable by the local government.

A: There are three roles that local government may have in regulating noise:

1. Adopt a local noise ordinance to set noise standards for their area.
2. Enforce those local noise ordinances.
3. If no local noise ordinances exist, enforce Ecology’s rules.

A: Any local noise ordinance that is different from Ecology’s rules must be submitted to Ecology. If Ecology doesn’t approve/disapprove the local noise ordinance within 90 days, the ordinance is considered approved.

A: The Federal Railroad Administration handles complaints about rail noise.

Federal Railroad Administration
Regional Administrator; Region 8
Murdock Building
703 Broadway
Vancouver, WA 98660
360-696-7536

A: If you can identify the source of the noise, the fastest solution is to try to contact the person making the noise, talk to them and try to work out a solution. Your neighbor may not be aware the noise is disturbing you.  When you talk to them, be polite and explain that the noise is disturbing you and why. It will help to provide your neighbor with specific details (noise level, duration, time of day, etc.). If you can give suggestions for how you would prefer to minimize the noise (lower volume, less time doing the activity causing the noise, stop earlier in the day, etc.), that may also help.

If you don't feel comfortable talking to your neighbor, you can file a noise complaint with your local authorities (see below FAQ for more details).  

A: You have a few options:

1. You can contact the local department that deals with noise issues and have them come out and measure the noise.
2. Hire a private company to measure noise levels and prepare a report of their results.
3. You can get the equipment to measure noise levels. For your results to be valid, the measurement must be done by a person properly trained in measuring noise and the use of sound-measuring equipment.

A: To file a formal complaint, you need to contact your local government to find out which department has the responsibility to enforce the noise ordinance or rules and the proper procedures for filing a complaint. If you live inside city limits, inquire with your city police department or city hall. If you live outside the city limits, inquire with the county sheriff’s department or county commissioners’ office.

A: There are a few options you can pursue:

1. Check with your homeowners or neighborhood association. There may be community rules that deal with noise or a formal process to help resolve issues with neighbors.
2. Arrange for mediation (through district court or non-profit organization, etc.).
3. Consult with an attorney.

A: Formal complaints are handled in a variety of ways, depending on the city or county. Responses in your area could include:

1. Informal visit to the location where the noise is coming from.
2. Official noise measurement.
3. Issuing a citation. There could be fine, a warning or a notice to comply.
4. No response.

A: The authority to enforce noise standards is delegated by the state to local governments. There is nothing in the current RCW or WAC that makes it mandatory to enforce local noise ordinances.

A: Ecology does not have the authority to enforce noise rules or local noise ordinances. Your local government has the authority to enforce noise rules and local noise ordinances.

A: You have a few options:

1. You can ask the local department that deals with noise issues to come out and measure the noise.
2. Hire a private company to measure noise levels and prepare a report of its results.
3. You can get the equipment to measure noise levels. For your results to be valid, the measurement must be done by a person properly trained in measuring noise and the use of sound-measuring equipment.

A: The first thing you should do, if possible, is contact the person making the noise complaint and try to work out a solution. The next step would be to get a copy of either the local noise ordinances or Ecology’s rules and determine if and/or how you are violating noise standards. If you are in violation, you need to take the steps necessary to fix the problem.