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Noise Administration
Everett’s noise ordinance contains rules to minimize exposure to excessive noise inside the Everett city limits. Regulated noise sources include construction, live and recorded performances and car repair and operation. For all other noise sources, decibel limits are set by the zoning of the receiving and generating properties.
Noise from temporary construction sites is not allowed 10PM – 7AM weekdays, 6:00PM – 8:00AM weekends unless a variance has been issued. During the hours that temporary construction noise is allowed there is not a decibel limit. Construction projects wishing a variance from the noise ordinance must submit an application at least 30 days prior to commencing work.
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Megan Munro
City Safety Official
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Human Resources
Physical Address
2930 Wetmore Avenue
5th Floor
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: : 425-257-8767Fax: : 425-257-8754
Public disturbance noises are frequent, repetitive and/or continuous human-created sounds that interfere with the reasonable use of a residential property. Examples include amplified music, intentional revving of engines, loud speakers for commercial advertising and unamplified sounds from 10:00PM – 7:00AM. Public disturbance noises should be reported any time to the Everett Police Department non-emergency number 425-407-3999.
Other complaints are investigated by the City of Everett noise administrator. Common issues are HVAC systems, commercial and industrial operations, construction outside of allowed hours and landscaping equipment. Some sources are exempt from the Everett noise ordinance, such as railroads and sanctioned events. When there is a violation of the noise ordinance that cannot be resolved quickly, the case will be forwarded to Code Enforcement for resolution.
A temporary variance from the noise ordinance hours may be issued by the city. There is a $100 administrative fee for the application. Applications must be made at least 30 days prior to the start date and are of limited duration. The form can be competed in our Form Center. A variance cannot be issued for private events such as concerts or parties.
In addition to meeting other requirements set forth in the City's Noise Ordinance, temporary noise variances can only be issued when all 4 of these conditions exist:
- The noise cannot be avoided
For some projects, the City of Everett requires nighttime work on roadways for traffic safety. Environmental requirements for habitat protection may require working around the tide schedule at night. Cost or convenience is not considered unavoidable reasons for night work. - It will exist for a specific period of time
A noise variance is issued for 30 days or less. There is an extension available, but there may be additional requirements for public notification and comment. - It will not endanger public health, safety or welfare
Residential occupancies within 500 feet of the noise source are considered affected by nighttime noise. Those residents affected by the variance must be notified by mail or in-person by the applicant. A contact person must be available during night-time noise hours. - Have been mitigated to the greatest extent reasonably possible
The noise variance will be issued with mitigation steps required by the applicant. This may include:
a. Scheduling very loud work, such as saw-cutting or vacuum excavation during normal construction hours
b. Specific truck routing or idling rules
c. Requiring broadband or noise-attenuating backup alarms
d. Anti-slam tailgates