Know who can help if you have a noise complaint in Pierce County.
Different agencies handle different kinds of noise concerns in Pierce County. Depending where you live and the nature of your concern, you might need to contact:
- Pierce County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line: (253) 287-4455.
- Your city’s code enforcement program.
- Health Department.
Who should you contact?
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office
Handles many common noise complaints in unincorporated Pierce County that fall under the motor vehicle, public disturbance, and public nuisance code including things like:
- Loud music and audio equipment.
- Talking and yelling.
- Vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles.
Health Department
Handles many other noise concerns in unincorporated Pierce County, which fall under the county’s noise-pollution control code and includes things like:
- Construction and construction equipment.
- Business noises, like welding or grinding.
- Noise types not specifically listed in other codes.
We can help if those noises exceed the decibel levels described in the code, which vary from 55-70 decibels depending on the property type. You can download CDC’s NIOSH app on your phone to measure the decibels.
If you live in a city or town, check your local ordinances. Your city’s code enforcement team may be able to help.
You can submit a complaint to us using our online form. You will need to register for an account first.
What happens when you report a noise complaint?
People who make noise may not know the noise affects you and your property. Your best first step is to work with your neighbor or business owner to resolve your complaint.
If that doesn’t work and the problem falls in our jurisdiction, we’ll work with you to resolve it. That can include coordinating with our Pierce County partners and reaching out to the person or business. We don’t currently conduct site visits or take noise readings.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and city code enforcement teams decide how to handle complaints that fall under their jurisdictions.