Bellevue City Code Amendment (BCCA) updated the exempt hours for construction noise, clarified the current construction noise exemptions, created a public notice process and modified the average allowed decibel levels for sleeping areas.
Background
The Construction Noise BCCA was initiated by the Bellevue City Council and updates two areas of the city's noise code - construction noise regulations and noise limits in sleeping areas.
Construction Noise BCCA
The Construction Noise BCCA aims to minimize the public's exposure to excessive noise while supporting the development of private property in Bellevue. To this end, the BCCA extends the hours construction noise is allowed within the city to limit duration of impacts from construction projects while balancing the quality-of-life needs or residents. To streamline permitting, promote public awareness and limit transportation and safety impacts from construction projects, the BCCA clarifies and updates allowed noise exemption hours extensions for construction, and codifies the notification process for noise exemption applications.
Sleeping Areas BCCA
The Sleeping Areas BCCA aims to lower the cost of multifamily construction by modifying the current decibel limits to be consistent with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) standards.
The city council held a study session on February 26 to consider the BCCA. At the study session, council heard input from the community, discussed the time and staff recommendation and directed staff to explore options extending the exempt hours for construction noise from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturdays. Additionally, council directed staff to explore options to limit exempt hours for construction noise adjacent to low-density residential neighborhoods.
On April 23, council adopted the code updates after discussion, clarifying and updating allowed noise exemption hours extensions for construction, codifying the application and notification processes for noise exemption applications, extending exempt hours for construction noise, and raising the allowed indoor decibel levels for sleeping areas.
What changed?
Bellevue City Code 9.18 (Noise Control Code) has been amended to address the maximum noise threshold for sleeping areas and regulations for construction noise, including
- Updated the maximum average sleeping area noise level from 40 decibels to 45 decibels, consistent with HUD and EPA standards.
- Changed exempt hours for construction noise from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays
- Changed exempt hours for construction noise on Saturdays to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Clarified activities that can be authorized to extend these hours by permit, including traffic mitigation, construction of schools and government facilities, weather impacts, and health and safety concerns.
- Created a public notification process that allows for multiple extensions within a 30-day period to the exempt hours in a single permit.
What did not change?
- Construction noise continues to be regulated by the city and disallowed outside of exempt hours unless authorized by a noise exemption permit.
- Construction noise from single-family additions and remodels will remain exempt until 8 p.m.
- Limits on average noise in indoor living areas will remain at 45 dBH.
Project Timeline and Schedule
| Date | Meeting, Event, or Action Taken | Links |
| 2/26/2024 | City Council Study Session | City Council Meeting Agenda Materials |
| 4/23/2024 | City Council Public Hearing | City Council Meeting Agenda Materials |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reasons for this update?
The update aims to clarify for the public and development community which activities qualify to extend exempt hours for construction noise. The activities that do qualify are to ensure that construction impacts to traffic and neighboring properties are minimized and to protect the health and safety of Bellevue’s residents and visitors and construction workers. Allowing multiple instances of hour extensions in a single permit will streamline the permitting process and provide more transparency to the public.
The aim of changing the allowed noise in sleeping areas from 40 decibels to 45 decibels is to further encourage and lower the cost of multi-family housing by creating consistency between federal recommendations and City Code for indoor noise.
What is the difference between 40 decibels and 45 decibels?
The difference between 40 and 45 decibels is relatively small. Forty decibels is generally compared to the volume of your refrigerator compressor while 50 is the volume of a moderate rainfall. Sounds over 85 decibels are dangerous to hearing over long periods and would be comparable to a lawnmower or hair dryer.
What properties are required to meet indoor noise standards?
Any property with ambient sound levels over 65 decibels at the property line is required to do sound attenuation to meet the City’s indoor noise levels. The current indoor noise limits are 40 decibels for sleeping areas and 45 decibels for all other living areas. Items such as traffic and vacuum cleaners are generally comparable 65 decibels.
What if I have a complaint about construction noise?
City staff will respond to noise complaints. You may report a complaint by calling the Bellevue Police Department non-emergency phone number, (425) 577-5656, or through the MyBellevue customer assistance portal.