Noise Control

The Noise Control Bylaw regulates noise within the municipality. The Bylaw defines the decibel level for various activities and types of noise, and permitted times for construction. Learn more in the Noise Control Bylaw - No. 8885.

Bylaw Changes to Reduce Noise

In 2021, the City implemented a new Noise Control Bylaw to replace the previous bylaw, which was enacted in 1987, and amend related bylaws. The new bylaw establishes noise standards and limits to protect residents from the adverse impacts of noise and addresses amplified, construction and tonal noise while also strengthening enforcement measures.

The bylaw includes new measures such as:

  • Reducing permitted construction hours on Saturdays to 5pm from the previous 7pm ;
  • Prohibiting unauthorized amplified sound in a public space, such as music through speakers by street performers;
  • Using tonal noise assessments to address complaints about noise that is within the allowable decibel limit but may still present a disturbance;
  • Updating the noise exemption application process to provide an incentive to minimize construction impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, and doubling the application processing fee;
  • Posting signage regarding noise control at every exposed side of construction sites, rather than just one sign; and
  • Increasing penalties for bylaw infractions.

Additional bylaw amendments may occur in the future as the City continues to develop a long-term noise strategy.

 

What the City is Doing to Reduce Noise

What the City is Doing to Reduce Noise The City will be taking the lead and implementing the following actions:

  • Updating operating procedures and equipment choices to favour less noisy options.
  • Creating programs that will deter unnecessarily impactful noise-generating activities and promote good contractor behaviour.
  • Transitioning City vehicles to include broadband backup alarms that direct sound behind the vehicle instead of the surrounding area.
  • Switching to electric lawn maintenance equipment for emission and noise reduction.
  • Developing a strategy to support a large-scale transition to electric City vehicles.
  • Designing streets that encourage slower speeds to reduce acceleration and deceleration, and conducting public education about driving-related noise mitigation.
  • Implementing a noise monitoring pilot program to identify trends in real-time and how levels are changing over time to help with future transportation, building and planning processes.
  • Undertaking a communications campaign to educate the community on noise-related issues and how to report noise, as well as encouraging a common courtesy approach between neighbours on private property.

Animal Noise

Dogs, birds or other pets should not cause excessive or unreasonable amount of noise. Continuous or sporadic animal noise in excess of 30 minutes is considered an objectionable or disturbing sound.

Construction Noise & Exemption

Permitted construction hours are between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. View the Construction Activity Hours handout.

Construction is prohibited on Sundays and Holidays, where 'Holiday' is defined in Bylaw 8885 as:

"Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Canada Day, Victoria Day, British Columbia Day, Labour Day, Family Day, New Year’s Day, December 26 and a day set by the Parliament of Canada or by the Legislature, or appointed by proclamation of the Governor General or the Lieutenant Governor, to be observed as a day of general prayer or mourning, a day of public rejoicing or thanksgiving, a day for celebrating the birthday of the reigning Sovereign, or as a public holiday".

It may be possible to receive a "Noise Exemption by Permission" to the bylaw if certain conditions are met. Any exemption to the Noise Control Bylaw will require community notification as outlined in the bylaw. Complete an Application for Construction Noise Exemption.

Equipment Noise

The sound generated by Garden and Building Maintenance equipment is permitted during the following times only:

  1. between the hours of 7:00am and 8:00pm Monday through Friday;
  2. between the hours 9:00am and 7:00pm Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Decibel limits and limits on use of equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, or other equipment, are outlined in the Noise Control Bylaw.

Neighbour Noise

Noise generated by people, including yelling, loud or amplified music, and vehicle engine revving must not cause an unreasonable disturbance.

Vehicle Noise

Decibel limits on vehicles are defined in the Noise Control Bylaw.

  • The audible sound of a vehicle security system which is made either continuously, or intermittently, for a period exceeding one minute; or which produces a false alarm activating more than three times in a 24 hour period, is considered an "objectionable or disturbing sound".
  • A horn or other warning device on a vehicle should be used only for the purpose of giving an audible warning for safety purposes.




Contact Info

Bylaw Services
Tel:  604-982-8302 | Monday to Friday, 8:30 - 5:00pm
Email: bylaw@cnv.org

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