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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Spokane, Washington
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
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Default quiet hours: 22:00-07:00: residential property-line limit drops to 45 dBA (WAC 173-60; SMC 10.70.070).
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-07:00 (same as weekdays).
Construction weekdays: Generally exempt 07:00-22:00 under WAC 173-60-050; between 22:00-07:00, work must meet property-line limits or obtain a variance (SMC 10.70.120).
Construction weekends: Same as weekdays.
Spokane adopts Washington's EDNA property-line limits (Class A residential <=55 dBA day; <=45 dBA night with a 10 dB nighttime reduction) and also prohibits "public disturbance noise." On public property or rights-of-way, sounds plainly audible across a property boundary are prohibited 22:00-07:00, and those plainly audible at >=100 ft are prohibited 07:00-22:00. See SMC 10.70.070, SMC 10.70.090, and WAC 173-60-040.
Residential quiet hours
22:00-07:00: residential property-line limit drops to 45 dBA (WAC 173-60; SMC 10.70.070).
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-07:00 (same as weekdays).
Decibel limits
55 dBA daytime / 45 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
Generally exempt 07:00-22:00 under WAC 173-60-050; between 22:00-07:00, work must meet property-line limits or obtain a variance (SMC 10.70.120).
Weekends: Same as weekdays.
Lawn equipment
Residential maintenance projects are exempt 07:00-22:00 (WAC 173-60-050); outside those hours, EDNA limits apply.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
From private property: unlawful as a public disturbance if plainly audible across a property boundary. On public property or rights-of-way: prohibited if plainly audible across a boundary 22:00-07:00, or if plainly audible at >=100 ft 07:00-22:00.
Typical fines
First violation is a civil infraction; a third violation within one year is a misdemeanor (amounts per City schedule).
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via My Spokane 311 for code enforcement; for active disturbances call Police "Crime Check" non-emergency at 509-456-2233.. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://myspokane311.my.site.com/citizen/s/ or call My Spokane 311 for code enforcement; for active disturbances call Police "Crime Check" non-emergency at 509-456-2233.. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi there - Spokane's code limits residential noise to 55 dBA by day and 45 dBA overnight, and treats plainly audible sound across a property line as a public disturbance. We have been hearing {{describe noise}} around {{times}}. Could we keep it down after 10 p.m.? Thanks!
Landlord / property manager
Hello - We are experiencing recurring noise that appears to violate Spokane's Ch. 10.70 (EDNA limits and public-disturbance standard). Could management remind tenants about quiet hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) and speaker placement? I have kept a log and can share recordings if helpful.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 10.70 - Noise Control
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- If construction occurs at night (22:00-07:00), ask if a noise variance was issued; include permit or variance details in your report.
- Identify the receiving property's EDNA (residential, commercial, or industrial) to apply the correct limit.
- For street or park noise, note distance (about 100 ft) or whether it is plainly audible across a property boundary and the exact time window.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.