Noise
Council has some power to investigate offensive noise, though it is generally best to try to resolve the problem without involving the authorities.
What can you do about loud noise?
Step 1: Keep a noise diary to record when and how the noise is affecting you.
Step 2: Discuss your concerns with the person causing the noise. Often people do not realise they are being noisy and will work with you to solve the problem. You could also send them a letter outlining your concerns. You might find this letter template useful .
Step 3: If the noise continues, seek mediation with your neighbour through the Community Justice Centre.
Step 4: If the noise continues you can report the matter to Council, along with your completed noise diary. Council officers will need to see documentation from the Community Justice Centre to prove mediation has been attempted.
Please note that Council has no power over people speaking, laughing or shouting. If this type of noise is causing a disturbance you may wish to contact your local police station.
Noise restrictions
In residential areas there are restrictions on when certain noises can be made. The following table spells them out:
| Noise Source (from residential premises) | Time restrictions when noise should not be heard in a habitable room in a neighbour’s residence |
|
Chain saws Circular saws Compressors Electric or pneumatic tools Gas or air compressors Lawn mowers Leaf blowers Powered garden tools Power tools |
Monday to Friday: 8pm to 7am Weekends or Public Holidays: 8pm to 8am |
|
Musical instruments Sound equipment |
Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 10pm to 8am Friday, Saturday or any day preceding a Public Holiday: midnight to 8am |
|
Air-conditioners Heat pump water heaters Swimming pool/spa pumps |
Monday to Friday: 10pm to 7am Weekends or Public Holidays: 10pm to 8am |
| Refrigeration units fitted to a motor vehicle |
Monday to Friday: 8pm to 7am Weekends or Public Holidays: 8pm to 8am |
| Burglar/Intruder Alarm | in Vehicles Cars manufactured before 1 September 1997: more than 90 seconds Cars manufactured on/after 1 September 1997: more than 45 seconds in Buildings Installed before 1 December 1997: more than 10 minutes Installed on/after 1 December 1997: more than 5 minutes For more information please visit the NSW Environment Protection Authority |
If you have any further questions about noise issues visit the website of the Environment Protection Authority or phone 9995 5000.