Noise By-law Guide

Noise By-law Guide

The Township's Noise By-law prohibits and regulates certain types of noise within the Township of Guelph/Eramosa. 

The by-law includes both general restrictions on certain types of noise as well as time-based restrictions for certain activities. Common noise complaints include:

·        Excessive amplification of music or sound

·        The Discharge of firearms

·        Persistent barking, whining or calling by domestic pets and other animals (non-agricultural)

How Do I Report a Noise Issue?

In order to address your concern, By-law Enforcement Department or the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will require your information and information about the concern. Note that your personal information will remain confidential. Please be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the complaint such as:

·        Address of the property involved

·        Date and time when the violation was first observed

·        Detailed description of the violation

To report a noise issue during regular business hours, please fill out the By-law Complaint Form. For all after-hour complaints please contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) by dialling 1-888-310-1122.

For questions or concerns about the noise issue, you may contact By-Law Enforcement Department by e-mail at bylaw@get.on.ca or the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) by dialling 1-888-310-1122 to reach the Provincial Communication Centre 24/7.

Noise Exemptions

Certain activities within the Township may require an exemption to the Township's Noise By-law. Some examples of activities that would require an exemption include special events that feature amplified sound (i.e. weddings, large family reunions, birthday parties, or outdoor gatherings with live bands or amplified music.), or overnight/weekend construction. Please be advised that there is a fee to apply for an exemption. Please see the Township's Fee's and Charges By-law for the current fee for a Noise exemption.

Noise Exemption Application Form

Do I Need an Exemption?

Exemptions are intended for large special events and gatherings or construction activity that falls outside of the permitted hours. Exemptions are generally not required for ordinary social gatherings at private residences. 

If you feel that your event may cause a disturbance in your neighbourhood, you may wish to apply for an exemption to the Noise By-law. The Clerks Department will provide you with a template notification letter to distribute in your neighbourhood to advise neighbours about the event in advance. 

Should there be a noise complaint arising from your event, the By-law Enforcement Department or Ontario Provincial Police may attend and will confirm if there is an exemption on record. Without an exemption, your event may be shut down.

In all cases, please be mindful of your neighbours and respectful of the community - excessive noise can harm the enjoyment of properties and damage relations with your neighbours.

To learn more about permits needed for special events you can refer to the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) Special Occasion Permit site. 

Applying for an Exemption

Filling out an application | Filling out an application. I s… | FlickrThe following conditions must be met for noise exemption applications to be considered:

·        A completed Noise Exemption Application Form is to be submitted to the Clerks Department a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the proposed event or activity

·        Exemptions shall not be authorized beyond 1:00 AM for special event type noise exemptions

·        Upon approval, you must serve notice of the approved exemption to nearby affected properties in advance of the event (a template notification letter will be provided)
 

Exemptions to be Considered by the Clerk's Department

In determining whether to issue a Permit, the Clerk shall:

  • Determine whether the applicant has provided all the information required by section 6.2 of this By-law;

  • Determine whether the applicant has complied with all of the terms and conditions of approval of any previous temporary noise permit issued to the applicant, if any;
  • Consider any negative effects the issuance of the Permit may have on neighbouring properties or the Municipality; and
  • Consider any benefits the issuance of the Permit may have for neighbouring properties or the Municipality.

The Clerk may:

  • Issue a Permit;
  • Refuse a Permit; or,
  • Issue a Permit with conditions.

The Clerk may impose conditions on Permits including, but not limited to:

  • The type and volume of Noise that may be made;
  • The times during which Noise may be made;
  • The date of expiry of the Permit;
  • Requiring the posting of security prior to the activity; and,
  • Requiring that the applicant, Municipal Staff, or a professional engineer to monitor the noise levels resulting from the event or activity and requiring a report of the findings to be filed with the Municipality within thirty (30) days of the event or activity, all at the applicant’s expense.

For additional information about the Township of Guelph/Eramosa Noise By-law, please contact By-law Enforcement Department at 519-856-9596 ext. 121.

For additional information about Noise Exemptions, please contact the Clerks Department at 519-856-9596 ext. 107