Noise
The purpose of the Noise Control By-law is to support a healthy, safe, and peaceful living environment for all residents by minimizing disruptive or harmful noise. It aims to balance the needs of a vibrant city—such as construction and community events—with the right of individuals to enjoy reasonable quiet. By regulating excessive noise, the by-law contributes to the overall social, economic, and environmental well-being of the community.
About the Noise Control By-law
The Noise By-law 121-2021 (PDF) regulates noise and the times of day noise can occur. The purpose of the by-law is to preserve and protect the safety and welfare of all residents of the city by reducing unwanted sound in the City.
The By-law regulates:
- When amplified sound can be made
- Noise from special events
- The noise level of an air conditioner, heat pump or similar device
- When construction related noise can be made
- When noise can be made by a transport truck, commercial vehicle or any other vehicle used to transport goods
Noise Complaint Process
Noise by-law complaints are received by Service Vaughan and directed to by By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services for response.
Steps to resolving a noise complaint
- Speak to the person making the noise. They may not be aware that the noise is disturbing you and a short conversation may be all it takes to fix the issue.
- If you cannot speak with the person and the noise violation is currently happening, call 905-832-2281 and a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer will attend the call in priority sequence.
- If a noise violation occurs regularly, complete a noise log and submit to By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services.
Information needed to file a noise complaint
The following information is required to make a noise complaint:
- The address or general area(s) where the noise is occurring
- Description of the type of noise/sound such as construction, music, or vehicle noise
- When the sound commenced, the duration and frequency
- Information about the possible source, such as a business, event or private residence
- How the sound was confirmed or identified
- The impact the sound is having
The City does not accept anonymous complaints, but your information is kept confidential. Visit Enforcement and Animal Complaints for more information about the by-law complaint process.
To make a noise complaint, call 905-832-2281 or email bylaw@vaughan.ca.
Noise Exemptions
A noise exemption can be requested for construction related noise that may be contrary to the standards of the Noise Control by-law.
Applicants must complete the and submit the Construction Noise Application Form at least 90 days prior to the desired start date of the noise.
| iTEM | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Exemption Application Fee | $449 | $463 |
More Information About Noise Complaints, Penalties, and Regulations