Noise
Excessive noise complaints
The definition of " excessive noise" depends on the time of day and other circumstances. For example, the use of a lawnmower at 3pm might be acceptable, but the use of the same lawnmower at 10pm might not. Deciding whether noise is excessive is up to the judgement of the Noise Control Officer. Noise Control Officers do not use decibel reading noise equipment for noise complaints.
Before involving Council, the first option is to talk over the issue of complaint with the neighbour concerned. In many cases, the person making the noise may be unaware of the nuisance they are causing to others.
If this does not work, or the problem is ongoing, please check this page for information relating to specific noise complaints.
What is an Excessive Noise Direction?
An Excessive Noise Direction (END) is a notice served by a Noise Control Officer if, having received a complaint that excessive noise is being emitted from a property, and upon investigation of the complaint, is of the opinion that the noise is excessive.
On receipt of an END, the music (or noisy equipment) must immediately be turned down to a reasonable level. The END is in place for 72 hours. If Council receives more complaints of excessive noise within 72 hours of the Excessive Noise Direction being issued, and a site visit confirms that the noise is excessive, the Noise Control Officer and the Police will seize the noise-offending equipment (the Noise Control Officer cannot seize the noise-offending equipment without the Police).
Properties with a number of Excessive Noise Direction notices issued will face monitoring by Council and further action may take place - such as warning letters, confiscation of equipment and an Abatement Notice.
What is an Abatement Notice?
An Abatement Notice is a formal legal document, served against the individuals in a house. Domestic properties, against which there has been a succession of Excessive Noise Directions issued, may as a consequence receive an Abatement Notice.
For properties where an Abatement Notice is in force, if there is a further justified noise complaint, then the stereo (or other noisy equipment) in the house may be seized without the need for an Excessive Noise Direction to be served.
Infringements for Noise
Council may issue infringement notices for repeat offenders.
Two of these infringement offences are:
- Not complying with an excessive noise direction notice
- Not complying with an abatement notice for noise
Siezed equipment
For information on Council's powers to sieze equipment, e.g. stereos as a result of a noise complaint, please click here.
Noise permit request
You cannot have a permit to make noise.
If you are going to have a celebration, party or the like, it is recommended that you advise your neighbours in advance of your intention. Let them know the date of the party and the starting & finishing times. Advise them of the contact details of a responsible person who the neighbours can contact during the night if they feel the noise is excessive.
By communicating with your neighbours there may not be the need for Council to become involved. However, your neighbours have the right to complain to Council about excessive noise at any time during the day or night.
Page created/updated: 11 December 2008 at 1:28 pm
