What happens after you submit a noise complaint?

• The goal is to resolve the issue and achieve compliance with the bylaw.

• A Bylaw Enforcement Officer will be assigned to respond to your request and will contact you according to the assessed priority of the service request.

• If there is a possible noise bylaw violation, the officer may conduct an investigation, which could include education, and/or enforcement actions.

• This may include the requirement to document noise logs and submit them to the Officer for review.

• In the event that legal action is necessary, you may be asked to give evidence in court.

We encourage residents to exercise a reasonable degree of tolerance and to review the bylaw regulations by type of noise found below prior to submitting a service request.

If you have a concern, consider speaking with those responsible for making the noise to give them an opportunity to correct the issue. If you are a tenant, you must speak to your landlord first and give them a reasonable period of time to correct the issue before submitted a request to Bylaw Services. 

Noise regulations

The following list provides an overview of the noise regulations:

• The operation of speakers at such a volume that it is audible on a neighbouring property is prohibited between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

• The operation of speakers at such a volume that it is audible from the interior of a neighbouring home where the neighbouring resident has made an effort to mitigate the reception of the noise (e.g. closing windows) is prohibited at all times

• Barking or howling of a dog excessively for any period of 20 minutes or longer is prohibited at all times. 

• Large-scale construction noise is prohibited between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.

• Large-scale construction noise is prohibited on Sundays and public holidays

• Small-scale domestic construction noise (e.g. building a deck, fence, or shed) is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Request an exemption

The Noise By-law is in effect at all times, and exemptions are not generally available. We may grant exemptions for private usage matters such time-limited private construction and special events and Infrastructure works such as and for large-scale construction projects like road repair works and concrete pouring

For private usage exemption requests see below:

Download Special Event Noise Exemption Application here

Download Construction Noise Exemption Application here

All noise permit request must be submitted four weeks prior to the request date of activity.

Please note only completed applications with accompanying $350.50 fee will be accepted. Refunds will not be granted for applications that are denied.

Please contact us if you have any additional questions

Infrastructure works

For more information on Infrastructure, please contact the Town’s Fire and Operations Department at pw.operations@whitby.ca