The purpose of this chapter is to control noise in a manner which promotes commerce; the use, value, and enjoyment of property; sleep and repose; and the quality of the environment.
(Ord. 947, 2010; Ord. 984 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1020 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow, sound originating from the property that is a public disturbance noise. The following sounds are determined to be a public disturbance. The enumeration of acts described below shall not be construed as excluding other acts which may constitute noise disturbances:
A. 
Sound from motor vehicle audio sound equipment, such as radios, tape players, compact disc players, and MP3 players, installed in the vehicle or merely carried therein, to be operated at a volume so as to be plainly audible by the human ear at a distance of 75 feet or more from the vehicle itself at any time of day;
B. 
The frequent or repetitive sounding of any horn or alarm attached to a motor vehicle at any time of day, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law;
C. 
The creation of frequent or repetitive sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential area or near any human service facilities, at any time of day;
D. 
Sound from portable audio equipment, such as a radio, tape player or compact disc player which is operated at such a volume so as to be plainly audible by the human ear at a distance of 75 feet or more from the source of the sound, at any time of day;
E. 
The creation of frequent or repetitive sounds which emanate from any building, structure, apartment, or condominium, which unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort, and repose of owners or possessors of real property, such as sounds from musical instruments, audio sound equipment, band sessions, or social gatherings which can be heard 75 feet from its property line in a residential zone or 150 feet from its property line in a business or commercial zone during quiet hours;
F. 
Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on or near the public streets, during quiet hours or at any time and place so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort and repose of owners or possessors of real property; and
G. 
Sounds originating from property relating to temporary projects for the construction, maintenance or repair of buildings, grounds and appurtenances, including but not limited to sounds from lawnmowers, power or hand tools, snow removal equipment and composters during quiet hours.
(Formerly 8.10.020; Ord. 947, 2010; Ord. 984 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1020 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
A. 
Sounds from emergency vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.040;
B. 
Noises originating from emergency equipment and emergency work necessary in the interests of law enforcement or of the health, safety and/or welfare of the community;
C. 
Sounds created by properly functioning and used warning, safety and protective devices;
D. 
During periods when there is no electrical service available from the primary supplier due to natural disaster or power outage:
1. 
Noise originating from portable generators; however, this does not preclude the operator from being responsible to mitigate the noise to the degree possible;
2. 
Sounds created by stationary generators that do not exceed a sound level of 75 dBA at any property line. Stationary generators installed prior to passage of Ord. No. 1139 on December 1, 2025, are exempt from the 75 dBA limit during periods of no electrical service.
E. 
Noise generated by stationary generators operated for routine maintenance purposes, provided the sound level does not exceed 75 dBA at any property line. Maintenance operation shall be limited to no more than once per week for a maximum duration of 20 minutes and is limited to regular hours. Stationary generators installed prior to passage of Ord. No. 1139 on December 1, 2025, are exempt from the 75 dBA limit during maintenance operations, but must still comply with the time and frequency restrictions listed above.
F. 
Noise generated by City-operated generators used for public services or operations.
G. 
Sounds originating from parades and special events permitted or authorized by the city of Langley;
H. 
Noises originating from the Island County Fairgrounds during regular hours or as long as the use is authorized pursuant to a special events permit authorized by the city;
I. 
Nonamplified sound within a public park during regular hours; "amplified sound" means any sound that is increased by electronic means;
J. 
Noises originating from schools and day cares in the normal course of daytime operations;
K. 
Noises created by the lawful discharge of fireworks in accordance with Chapter 9.05;
L. 
Except as prohibited under Section 8.10.030G, noises created by the operation of snow removal equipment;
M. 
Sounds originating from delivery and refrigeration vehicles which require idling for no more than 30 minutes; and
N. 
Live amplified and nonamplified sounds originating from outdoor music/entertainment within the city of Langley business districts during regular hours. Amplified sounds that comply and are in accordance with a permit issued by Island County, the city of Langley or by a public agency of the state of Washington. "Amplified sound" means any sound that is increased by electronic means.
(Formerly 8.10.030; Ord. 947, 2010; Ord. 984 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1020 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
The content of the sound will not be considered in determining a violation of this chapter.
(Formerly 8.10.040; Ord. 947, 2010; Ord. 984 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1020 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a civil infraction fine as set by resolution of the city council in the municipal fee schedule.
(Formerly 8.10.050; Ord. 947, 2010; Ord. 984 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1020 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)