Are you planning a wedding event in Washington DC? If so, it's important to be aware of the noise regulations that apply to your event. The city of Washington DC has two main noise laws that are designed to protect citizens from the physiological and psychological hazards of excessive sound. The city council intends to control the noise level in a way that promotes the use, value and enjoyment of property, sleep and rest, trade and the quality of the environment. The city's economic and community development department, along with the city attorney's office and the city police department, are responsible for enforcing these laws. If sound measurements are made with a sound level meter, it must meet the requirements for a Type I, S1A, Type II, or S2A instrument as described in the specifications of the United States National Institute for Standardization.
If measurements are made with other instruments or sets of instruments, the procedure must be carried out in such a way that the overall accuracy is at least that required in the specifications of the National Institute for Standardization. The rules contained in this chapter represent the minimum protections for citizens against noises that are considered appropriate. The city is aware of technologies and techniques that would further reduce the impact of noise on citizens, but it has chosen not to require them due to the impact on existing commercial and industrial uses. However, this does not prevent the director of community and economic development from requiring the installation of the best available noise reduction technology when considering conditional use permits and making SEPA determinations. The following activities are prohibited under these regulations: driving a motor vehicle in such a way that intentionally causes or allows squeaks or other similar sounds to be emitted from tires in contact with the ground due to rapid acceleration, intentional and unnecessary braking, or excessive speed when cornering; operating off any road, street, or public alley improved by any motorcycle or any motor vehicle intended for off-road use; operating any motor vehicle without a license for use on public roads where the noise is audible on or over any residential property; frequent, repetitive, or continuous sound of any horn, siren, or alarm connected to a motor vehicle; owning any animal that when howling, barking, singing, or other frequent or common noise can be heard in a residential area; and using motor vehicle compression brakes within the corporate boundaries of Washington DC. Violation or failure to comply with any of these provisions is declared unlawful. The procedure for issuing a notice of violation and processing it in court will be substantially that established for traffic violations in accordance with Infringement Rules of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (IRLJ) enacted by the Supreme Court of Washington State and Chapter 7.80 of RCW.
The express purpose of this chapter is to provide and promote health, safety, and welfare of the general public. Before you confirm your home wedding plans, it's important to research what rules you must meet. For example, you may need to know parking rules before making plans with valet service or bus for your home wedding. As you can see, there might be a lot of special event regulations that you should consider for your home wedding. Nothing contained in this chapter is intended to create liability on behalf of Washington DC or its officers, employees, or agents for any injury or damage resulting from failure to comply with these provisions. Make sure you understand all applicable regulations before confirming your wedding plans. When planning a wedding event in Washington DC it's essential to understand all applicable noise regulations.
These laws are designed to protect citizens from excessive sound levels while promoting economic development. It's important to research all applicable regulations before confirming your wedding plans as there may be special event rules you need to consider. Violation or failure to comply with any of these provisions is declared unlawful and can result in fines.
