A noise variance permit allows a construction project to temporarily exceed the maximum noise limits outlined in the Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC). This is often needed for special situations when the work can’t be reasonably done within standard approved working hours or when the work must be done outside of normal business hours to limit impacts to the public. It allows the City to review the request, set conditions, and make sure the extra noise won’t create unreasonable impacts on nearby homes or businesses. Examples include:

• Road or utility repairs that require nighttime work to avoid major traffic disruptions.
• Emergency building repairs or special construction work that require loud equipment outside normal hours. 

Please review SMC 9.05.080 to learn more about the City’s noise control regulations. If you have questions about the City’s code or submittal requirements, please submit an Engineering Development Question Form to connect with a development review engineer who can walk you through the requirements. 

How to Apply

Apply for this permit online at the City of Shoreline's eTRAKiT permitting portal. Once you are logged into your account, select Apply/New Permit from the left-hand sidebar and select the following permit type from the drop-down menu: Pre-Intake Record.

Once PIN requests are submitted, the rest of the intake process is facilitated by a permit technician. A permit technician will send further instructions by email to complete the process. 

Required Documents 

• Permit Application and Critical Area Worksheet
• Submittal Fee 
  •  Please reference the City’s fee schedule for current application fees.
• Cover Letter
  • Must provide a written description of the proposed variance request, hours of operation, duration of the variance, and associated permits.
  • Must address SMC 9.05.080(C) items (1) through (4). 
• Notifications/Flyers
  • Applicant must provide a draft notification document/flyer based on proposed dates, times, and contacts of the variance request.