Learn about different kinds of sound nuisances, exceptions and how to file a noise complaint
Excessive noise can be a nuisance for everyone. Noise is any loud, unnecessary or unusual sound that may irritate, distract, endanger or disturb the peace, health, safety and comfort of our residents and visitors. Being considerate and mindful of others helps create a peaceful environment for all of us.
Burnaby has regulations that apply to sound nuisances. The City prohibits any unnecessary noise disturbance in dwellings or public places.
Noise Bylaw No. 7332 applies to noise caused by construction sites, renovation, lawn mowing, refuse collection, etc.
Some exceptions to the bylaw include:
- Operation of snow removal equipment.
- Person(s) performing works of an emergency nature to preserve or protect property, life, or health.
- Person(s) working under a noise variance granted by the City.
- Residence alteration or repair by the owner, occupier or a contractor between 9 am-8 pm on Sundays and statutory holidays.
- Concerts, festivals, sporting events or other special events held at Deer Lake Park or Swangard Stadium.
- For interior noise complaints within multi-residential units, contact the strata council, property manager or building owner.
Residential noise (continuous) levels shall not exceed
- 55 dBA (7 am-10 pm)
- 45 dBA (10 pm-7 am)
Residential noise is defined as any noise that disturbs the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort, or convenience of the neighbourhood or persons in the vicinity.
A continuous noise is defined as any noise that goes on for more than 3 minutes in a 15 minute period.
To report residential noise:
| Type: | Contact: |
|---|---|
|
Building alarms |
RCMP non-emergency 604-646-9999 |
|
Party/stereo/band Commercial/industrial noise Construction noise Lawn mower & gardening tools Refuse collection Other |
Licensing After hours (emergencies only) |
To report motorcycle/vehicle noise and alarms:
| Location: | Contact: |
|---|---|
| On a roadway | RCMP non-emergency 604-646-9999 |
| Vehicle alarm - parked on a roadway |
Parking Bylaw Enforcement Phone: 604-294-7944 Phone: 604-570-3660 Contact RCMP non-emergency outside these hours |
| Vehicle alarm - parked on a property |
Licensing After hours: RCMP non-emergency |
Commercial/industrial noise (continuous) levels shall not exceed
7 am-10 pm:
- 65 dBA when measured at the property line.
- 60 dBA when measured within a residential district.
10 pm-7 am:
- 60 dBA when measured at the property line
- 55 dBA when measured within a residential district.
A continuous noise is defined as any noise that goes on for more than 3 minutes in a 15 minute period.
| To report: | Contact: |
|---|---|
| commercial/industrial noise |
Licensing After hours (for emergencies only): |
|
building alarms |
RCMP non-emergency |
No construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, landscaping or demolition can occur:
- Monday-Friday between 8 pm-7 am
- Saturday between 8 pm-9 am
- Sunday and statutory holidays
At any time, the continuous noise should not exceed 85 dBA when measured at least 15.2 meters from the source in a residential, multifamily, public or institutional district.
To report:
Call Licensing at 604-294-7320.
After hours (for emergencies only), call Burnaby Dispatch at 604-294-7200.
Noise must not exceed 87 dBA when measured on the property line or within 6 meters of the property line:
- Monday-Friday: 7 am-10 pm
- Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays: 9 am-10 pm
To report:
Call Licensing at 604-294-7320.
After hours (for emergencies only), call Burnaby Dispatch at 604-294-7200.
To report motorcycle/vehicle noise and alarms:
| Location: | Contact: |
|---|---|
| On a roadway | RCMP non-emergency 604-646-9999 |
| Vehicle alarm - parked on a roadway |
Parking Bylaw Enforcement Phone: 604-294-7944 Phone: 604-570-3660 Contact RCMP non-emergency outside these hours |
| Vehicle alarm - parked on a property |
Licensing After hours: RCMP non-emergency |
No person shall collect refuse from refuse containers:
- Monday-Saturday between 8 pm-7 am
- Sunday and statutory holidays between 8 pm-10 am
To report:
Call Licensing at 604-294-7320.
After hours (for emergencies only), call Burnaby Dispatch at 604-294-7200.
To report barking dogs:
Fill out our online form or contact us at 604-294-7944.
To report noise from concerts, festivals or other events:
Call Parks, Recreation and Culture Administration Office at 604-294-7450 or send an email.
Non-continuous noise levels shall not exceed
- 7 am-10 pm: 80 dBA
- 10 pm-7 am: 75 dBA
Non-continuous noise is defined as any noise or sound that goes on for less than 3 minutes in a 15 minute period.
Please view the sections above for how to report different types of noise or send us a message.
