Odor, noise, light/glare, and solid waste storage, access, and collection standards
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.49.025
in effectA. The venting of odors, fumes, vapors, smoke, cinders, dust, and gas shall be at least 10 feet above finished sidewalk grade, and directed away from uses within 50 feet of the vent. 1. Major odor sources a. Uses that employ the following odor-emitting processes or activities are major odor sources: 1) Lithographic, rotogravure, or flexographic printing; 2) Film burning; 3) Fiberglassing; 4) Selling of gasoline and/or storage of gasoline in tanks larger than 260 gallons; 5) Handling of heated tars and asphalts; 6) Incinerating (commercial); 7) Metal plating; 8) Use of boilers (greater than 106 British thermal units per hour, 10,000 pounds steam per hour, or 30 boiler horsepower); 9) The production or processing of cannabis products by a major cannabis activity; and 10) Other uses creating similar odor impacts. b. Uses that employ the following processes are considered major odor sources, unless the entire activity is conducted as part of a commercial use other than food processing or heavy commercial services: 1) Cooking of grains; 2) Smoking of food or food products; 3) Fish or fishmeal processing; 4) Coffee or nut roasting; 5) Deep fat frying; 6) Dry cleaning; and 7) Other uses creating similar odor impacts. 2. Review of major odor sources. When an application is made for a use that is a major odor source, the Director, in consultation with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA), shall determine the appropriate measures to be taken by the applicant in order to significantly reduce potential odor emissions and airborne pollutants. The measures to be taken shall be specified on plans submitted to the Director, and may be required as conditions for the issuance of any permit. After a permit has been issued, any measures that were required by the permit shall be maintained. B. Noise standards 1. All food processing for human consumption, custom and craft work involving the use of mechanical equipment, and light manufacturing activities shall be conducted wholly within an enclosed structure. 2. The following uses or devices are considered major noise generators: a. Light manufacturing uses; b. Repair shops for auto body, boats, and/or aircraft; and c. Other similar uses. 3. When a major noise generator is proposed, a report from an acoustical consultant shall be required to describe the measures to be taken by the applicant in order to meet noise standards for the area. Such measures may include, for example, the provision of buffers, reduction in hours of operation, relocation of mechanical equipment, increased setbacks, and use of specified construction techniques or building materials. Measures to be taken shall be specified on the plans. After a permit has been issued, any measures that are required by the permit to limit noise shall be maintained. C. Lighting and glare. 1. Exterior lighting shall be shielded and directed away from adjacent uses. 2. Interior lighting in parking garages shall be shielded, to minimize nighttime glare affecting nearby uses. D. Section 23.54.040 shall be applied to determine the provision of solid waste facilities and services. (Ord. No. 127285 , § 1, 2025; Ord. 127099 , § 31, 2024; Ord. 124969 , § 11, 2016; Ord. 124378 , § 48, 2013; Ord. 123495, § 55, 2011; Ord. 123046, § 65, 2009; Ord. 122054 § 31, 2006.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026