Noise Control By-law

The Noise Control By-law sets rules about noise that may disturb others.

It applies across the City of Brantford and is intended to help protect residents from unreasonable noise, especially during evening, overnight and early morning hours.

General rule

You must not make, cause or allow noise that is clearly audible at another property if that noise is prohibited under the by-law.

Some noises are prohibited at all times, while others are only prohibited during certain hours.

Noise that is prohibited at all times

The following noise is prohibited at all times:

• unauthorized fireworks or explosive devices
• discharge of firearms, except where lawfully permitted
• toy or model engines used only for amusement
• sound equipment such as radios, speakers, musical instruments or public address systems when they unreasonably disturb others
• motorized vehicles being used anywhere other than where they are intended to operate
• persistent barking, whining or similar animal noise
• recreational use of motor vehicles, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles or similar vehicles on property other than a highway or private driveway
• racing of motorized vehicles, unless it is part of a lawful racing event
• tire squealing
• operating an engine or pneumatic device without an effective muffler
• operating construction equipment without an effective muffler
• noise from a vehicle trailer or load that is not properly secured
• unnecessary use of a horn or warning device
• noise from a loudspeaker or amplifier attached to a vehicle on a public highway

Noise that is prohibited during certain hours

Overnight noise limits

The following are generally prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the next day:

• yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing
• selling or advertising by shouting, outcry or amplified sound
• construction activity
• use of domestic tools, except for snow removal
• loading, unloading, packing, unpacking or handling materials or refuse

Weekend loading and unloading

For loading and unloading activities, the prohibited period extends until 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Commercial car wash air dryers

Noise from a commercial car wash with air drying equipment is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Construction noise

Construction noise is generally not permitted between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

This includes activities such as:

• building
• demolition
• excavating
• grading
• land clearing
• structural repairs
• paving
• concreting
• equipment installation

Construction equipment must also have an effective muffler in good working order.

Noise from commercial and industrial areas

There is a limited exception for some operational noise from commercial or industrial properties.

In general, this type of noise may be allowed during the day, but not if it is audible from a residential property during the following hours:

• 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday
• 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Sunday

Events and activities that are exempt

Some activities are exempt from the by-law.

These include:

• authorized parades
• church bells and chimes
• licensed carnivals, circuses and midways
• permitted events in municipal parks, Harmony Square or municipal buildings until 11:00 p.m.
• City work related to maintenance and essential services
• authorized fireworks approved by the Fire Department

Emergency situations

Noise may also be allowed where it is necessary for:

• an emergency
• the immediate health, safety or welfare of residents
• the preservation or restoration of property

However, the noise must not continue longer or be more disruptive than reasonably necessary for the emergency purpose.

Applying for a noise exemption

If you want to hold an event or activity that may not meet the by-law, you can apply for a noise exemption.

Please note:

• the application must be made to the City Clerk or Deputy Clerk
• the application fee is $100
• exemptions may be granted for up to 6 months
• conditions may be attached to the exemption

Before applying, you must give written notice to all residential properties within 120 metres (393.7 ft) of the event location at least 60 days before the event.

If an exemption is approved:

• a permit will be issued
• the permit must be displayed in a visible location at the premises for the duration of the exemption

If the conditions of the exemption are not followed, the exemption becomes void.

Enforcement

The by-law is enforced by Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and members of the Brantford Police Service.

Officers may enter property at reasonable times to carry out an inspection and determine whether the by-law is being followed.

No person may hinder or obstruct an officer performing duties under the by-law.

Penalties

Anyone who violates the by-law may be charged and, upon conviction, may face a fine of up to $5,000.

If the offence continues over multiple days, charges may be laid for each day the violation continues.

Before you plan an event or activity

Before starting any activity that may create significant noise, make sure you:

• check whether the noise is prohibited at all times or only during certain hours
• consider nearby homes and the time of day
• confirm whether an exemption is needed
• provide the required notice if applying for a permit
• make sure any equipment or vehicles have proper mufflers

Questions?

Please contact us at 519-759-4150 for more information about noise rules, exemptions or enforcement.