This page provides information on the rules and regulations surrounding noise pollution and who you can approach if you have a noise complaint.
Dealing with Noise Complaints
People and businesses causing noise are often unaware of its effect on their neighbours.
If you are being affected by noise pollution, we recommend you approach the person or business causing the problem first to talk about your concerns, as this often resolves the issue and helps you maintain a good relationship with your neighbour. We have a Dear Neighbours Card you can use to bring your concerns to the attention of your neighbour.
If you find they are unapproachable or deny a problem exists, you should then contact the Citizens Advice Bureau to organise mediation. Mediators help guide a discussion towards finding an agreeable solution between both parties.
Depending on the type of noise complaint you have, our environmental health team may be able to assist. Read our Noise Information Sheet for the types of noise complaints our environmental health team can assist with.
Types of Noise Complaints and Remedies Available
Construction Noise
Construction noise is allowed from 7.00am to 7.00pm, Monday to Saturday. Noise from construction sites should not be audible outside these time or on public holidays.
In some cases, construction work may be permitted outside of these hours if a builder or resident can prove it is reasonably necessary, and a noise management plan has been submitted and approved by our environmental health team.
Report Construction Noise
Barking Dogs
If you have a problem with noise from a barking dog, you should first try politely speaking to the dog owner and letting them know about your concerns. If you are not comfortable speaking directly with your neighbour, you can drop an anonymous Bark Card in their mailbox.
If you have contacted the dog owner and are getting no results, submit an online barking dog report and our rangers will be able to assist.
You may be asked to provide evidence in the form of a 'Barking Diary'. These diaries need to be as accurate as possible and cover a period of 14 days.
Report Barking Dog
Parties and Gathering Noise
Music noise emitted from a party will generally exceed the prescribed noise level. Neighbours will in most cases tolerate 'one off parties' if they are notified before the party starts.
If you would like to make a complaint about party or gathering noise, contact the police or call our Community Safety Service (CSS).
The CSS will attend to witness and report on the noise only and pass on the details to our environmental health team the following working day. They do not intervene or approach the noise maker. For after business hours, the police have the powers to turn music off, infringe and/or confiscate equipment.
If you are planning on having a party, we encourage you to speak to your neighbours as it can reduce the potential of any complaints. We suggest you tell them the following:
- The date of the party,
- A phone number to ring if the music gets too loud.
- Reassurance that the music will be switched off or turned down to a level that can’t be heard after 10.00pm.
Stereo Noise
Stereo noise is allowed between the hours of 7.00am and 7.00pm, Monday to Saturday, and 9.00am and 7.00pm Sundays and public holidays as long as it is at a reasonable level and not excessive.
If you plan on playing loud music on your stereo, we encourage you to:
- Close any doors and windows
- Turn down the volume at 7.00pm
- Turn off the stereo at 10.00pm or turn the volume down to a point it cannot be heard outside your property boundary
- Reduce the bass component of your stereo
- Avoid locating speakers in alfresco or outside areas
Report Stereo Noise
Musical Instrument Noise
Musical instruments can be played between the hours of 7.00am and 7.00pm, Monday to Saturday, and 9.00am and 7.00pm Sundays and public holidays, for a maximum of one hour.
If you plan on playing musical instrument, we encourage you to play inside with all the windows and doors closed. This will help reduce any impact on your neighbour.
Report Musical Instrument Noise
Noise from Gardening and Power Tools
Power tools and gardening equipment that makes excessive noise, such as lawn mowers, whipper snipper, strimmers, blower vacuums, chainsaws and hammers, can be used for a maximum of two hours a day between 7.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Saturday, and 9.00am to 7.00pm Sundays and Public Holidays.
Report Gardening and Power Tool Noise
Air Conditioners, Pool Pumps and Other Machinery Noise
Noise from air-conditioners and pool equipment can contribute to environmental noise in our communities, and sometimes cause a disturbance to neighbours.
With the reduction in size of the average block and the consequent proximity of houses to each other, it is imperative that property owners and installers place air conditioners, pool pumps and other noisy machinery in the most suitable location to minimise disruption.
Air Conditioners
When installing air conditioners, certain factors should be considered to help minimise the impact on neighbours, such as external components of the air conditioner, the size of the area to be cooled or heated and the size and number of air conditioners required. The Installers Guide to Air Conditioner Noise provides information to installers and residents regarding various factors that influence noise. Alternatively, you can visit the FairAir website to assist with your noise calculations.
Pool and Spa Pumps
The location and type of equipment should be considered when installing a swimming pool or spa. Unfortunately, in most circumstances, complaints are received after the installation of the equipment and subsequent methods of reducing noise are limited.
The following suggestions can help minimise the noise impact of pool and spa equipment:
- When choosing a pool motor for your pool, consider purchasing a water cooled pool motor or a quiet air-cooled model
- Install the pool motor on rubber matting (25mm is usually ideal)
- Provide a flexible coupling secured by jubilee clips on the inlet side of the motor. This isolates the motor and can prevent any noise transmission along the pipe work
- Construct an enclosure over the pool motor ensuring adequate ventilation to keep the motor cool (unless you have a water cooled motor). The enclosure should be constructed with dense materials such as brickwork or 30mm thick jarrah, and be lined internally with acoustic lining or batt style roof insulation
- Finding the right location for the pool pump is an important decision.
The following measures can be used to reduce the noise impact when installation has occurred:
- Speak to your neighbours to find out when the pump is causing a disturbance. Most people are affected late at night, and early in the morning when trying to sleep, however some people may be shift workers;
- Place the pool pump on a timer to help ensure that the unit is operating at the appropriate and relevant times. Generally domestic pools need the pump to run for 6-8 hours/day in summer to achieve the desired turnover of water.
- Remember to check the timer regularly as power blackouts or power surges can affect the operation of the timer;
- Maintain your pool equipment regularly by cleaning the filter and servicing of moving parts. Poorly maintained equipment can cause higher noise levels and reduce the effectiveness of the pump. Refer to the manufacturer or installer for further advice.
Installers also have an obligation to ensure that any equipment installed does not emit unreasonable noise. Don’t assume if it is described as quiet, or complies with an Australian Standard, that it will comply with the assigned levels.
REPORT AIR-CONDITIONER, POOL PUMP OR OTHER MACHINERY NOISE
Security or Car Alarm Noise
The police have the power to silence security and car alarms if the alarm is causing unreasonable noise and has been persisting for at least 30 minutes.
If you have or are installing a security or car alarm, we encourage you to ensure:
- You can operate your alarm system correctly
- The alarm has been installed by a licensed security agent
- The alarm has auxiliary power backup
- The alarm is in a location that minimises the possibility of damage or interference
- The length of the siren is limited to a maximum of 10 minutes
- Windows/doors are properly closed and pets are outside before activating the alarm
- Trees, shrubs and branches are well away from windows/doors.
Industrial and Commercial Noise
If you have a complaint about noise from commercial and industrial sites, contact our environmental health team unless the noise is coming from a premise that is licensed or registered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).
To check if a premise is licensed by the DWER, use their search tool.
Noise from Pubs, Clubs and Licensed Premises
Complaints about noise coming from pubs, clubs and licensed premises should be made to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor.
Activities Exempt from Noise Complaints
- The following activities are considered exempt from noise complaints and we, as well as the police, will not intervene:
- Children playing in the street or back gardens
- Loud voices which are not related to a party or gathering
- Yelling or screaming
- Vehicles on the road
- Wild animals
- Spectators at an organised sporting activity
- Participants and spectators at a meeting or procession which has been authorised under the Public Meetings and Processions Act 1984 (WA)
- Church services, where the worship takes place on land which is exempt from rates because of its religious use.
- Recreational or educational premises under control of the principal (the activity may use musical instruments but not mechanical equipment)
- Agricultural shows, fairs, fetes, exhibitions and similar events
Report a Noise Problem
You can report a noise problem online by clicking on one of the below links:
Alternatively, complete our Nuisance Complaint and Log Sheet and submit it to our Civic Centre. To speak to a member of our environmental team or our Community Safety Service (CSS), contact us.
Laws to Manage Noise Pollution
The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 regulates noise emissions from the majority of noise sources within the community. It is an offence to create excessive noise emissions that cause a nuisance. Noise nuisance is generally based on the frequency, time of day and duration of noise that unreasonably affects the health and amenity of surrounding residents.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA), enforcement action such as fines, notices and seizures of equipment may be undertaken. WA Police and our environmental health team have the power to issue fines, notices or seize property in response to noise complaints under these laws.
Forms and Documents