Noise complaints and exemptions

The city's noise bylaw sets out standards for different types of noise.

On this page

  1. General rules from the noise bylaw
  2. Make a noise complaint
  3. Apply for a noise exemption
  4. Noise bylaw exemptions

General rules from the noise bylaw

The rules include:

  • persistent noise is prohibited at all times
  • yelling, shouting, and loud voices are prohibited from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Sundays)
  • residential renovation noise is prohibited from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Sundays)
  • commercial construction noise is prohibited from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (all day on Sundays and holidays)

Make a noise complaint

To request enforcement call 519-747-8785.

If the noise is taking place on a university campus, call:

Apply for a noise exemption

Noise exemptions will only be approved for up to 6 months.

  1. Download and complete a noise exemption application (PDF).
  2. A site plan is also required with every application that outlines where noise will be coming from and the distance to the nearest residential property.
  3. Submit forms in person at city hall at least 60 days before the exemption is requested to begin.
  4. Pay the $384.75 fee. We accept cash, debit, credit, cheque or money order (payable to the City of Waterloo).

To find out if you need a noise exemption, contact us at 519-747-8785, 1-866-786-3941 (TTY) or municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca

Noise bylaw exemptions

September 29 2023 at 60 Allen Street East

Notice is hereby given that an application is being made to the Director of Municipal Enforcement Services for the City of Waterloo for an exemption to the City of Waterloo Noise By-law #2010-073. The applicant, John Jesson, is requesting the following exemption:

  • to permit amplified music at 60 Allen Street East, Waterloo on September 29 2023

Comments can be submitted by 4:30 p.m. by Friday, September 15 2023:

October 16 2023 at 55 Northfield Drive East

Notice is hereby given that an application is being made to the Director of Municipal Enforcement Services for the City of Waterloo for an exemption to the City of Waterloo Noise By-law #2010-073. The applicant, Kathie Gilmour, is requesting the following exemption:

  • construction noise from cleaning machinery, generators, truck engines and other cleaning related noises at McDonald's, 55 Northfield Drive East, from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on October 16 2023

Comments can be submitted by 4:30 p.m. by August 30 2023: