The Town of Whitby's Noise By-law regulates unreasonable and unnecessary noise in order to create a peaceful and quiet environment for residents in our community.

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 large-scale construction projects that are time sensitive. For example:

• Road repair work
• Concrete pouring

Contact us to request an exemption to the regulations within the Noise By-law.

We may also grant exemptions for limited time events. Please contact us for more information.

File a noise complaint

When filing a noise complaint, please provide the following information:

• Location of the noise source
• Time of day the noise occurs
• How often the noise occurs and length of time
• How the noise directly affects you

Please visit Animal Control if you have a complaint related to dogs barking.