In any community, some level of noise is to be expected. However, some noises are too loud and can interfere with day-to-day life. How much is too much noise?
Under Ottawa's Noise By-law (No. 2017-255)Opens in a new tab or window(link is external) the following would be considered noise violations:
- Using power equipment such as chainsaws, lawn mowers or leaf blowers early in the morning or late at night
- Disturbing others with loud noises from musical instruments, radios, TVs or stereos
Construction sites and special events are also sources of noise. There are rules about how noisy they can be and when they have to be quiet.
Note: The Director of By-law Services may grant an exemption for special events or construction work.
In every neighbourhood there are noises that could disrupt you or your neighbour’s day or evening. If noises are disturbing you at any time of day, you may make a noise complaint. They include:
- Report aircraft noise
- Report a barking dog
- Report noisy car alarms(link is external)
- Report noisy construction sites
- Report noisy machinery in your neighbourhood
- Report noisy garbage collection
- Report a noisy delivery vehicle
- Report loud noise and shouting
View Noise By-law (No. 2017-255)Opens in a new tab or window(link is external).