Noise

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Building or Demolition Work Noise

Noise Overview | How to Make a Complaint About Loud Noise

Noise from construction activities is controlled by us to ensure any noise generated is at a reasonable level and occurs at reasonable times.

Standards for noise are specified in the District Plan and are measured in accordance with NZS 6803:1984 The Measurement and Assessment of Noise from Construction, Maintenance and Demolition Work.

The rules acknowledge that construction is a noisy business - maximum noise levels are higher for construction work than for other activities.

How much noise can I make on the building site?

Environment Area	Time	Maximum noise level *	Max. noise level *
Residential	Monday to Friday: 7am-7pm Saturday: 10am - 6pm (at all other times, including all public holidays)	_L10 65 dBA	_L10 50 dBA _Lmax n/a _L10 40 dBA _Lmax 70 dBA
Rural (measured at the notional boundary)	On any day: 7am-7pm	_L10 70 dBA	_L10 50 dBA _Lmax n/a _L10 45 dBA _Lmax 70 dBA
Business A, B or C	On any day: 7am-7pm	_L10 70 dBA	_L10 60 dBA _Lmax n/a _L10 60 dBA _Lmax 75 dBA
Business D	On any day: 7am-7pm	_L10 70 dBA	_L10 60 dBA _Lmax n/a _L10 40dBA _Lmax 70dBA
Industrial A, B or C	On any day: 7am-7pm	_L10 70 dBA	_L10 60 dBA _Lmax 75 dBA
Industrial D	On any day: 7am-7pm	_L10 70 dBA	_L10 65 dBA No _Lmax
Industrial E	On any day: 7am-7pm	_L10 70 dBA	_L10 70 dBA _Lmax 80 dBA
Open space	As per the adjoining environment area. Note: The less restrictive adjoining noise standard applies.

* Measured at any point within the boundary at any receiving site.

On every demolition, land development or building site the contractor/person in charge should use the best practical option to minimise noise, vibration, dust or emission of fumes.Return to top

Exceeding the noise limits – what should I do?

The key is to be considerate to people in neighbouring properties. Most people accept that building is noisy business and are very tolerant. Follow these suggestions to help keep it that way:

Limit the noisy activities to weekdays 7am-7pm and Saturdays from 10am-6pm so that people’s sleep and relaxation time is not affected.

Take measures to minimise noise, such as: Engaging silencing equipment, shutting doors and windows for internal work, operating machinery as far away from neighbours as possible and other noise attenuation methods.

Try not to make noise for prolonged or regular periods.

Talk to neighbours and advise them of any planned noisy work. You may be able to find times when neighbours will not be home and these are the best times to conduct the noisiest activities.

What happens if I make too much noise on the building site?

If we receive a complaint about noise from a building site, an officer will make a site visit and judge (subjectively) whether or not the noise is excessive.

If noise levels are too high you will be directed to reduce the level and a notice will be issued to reduce the excessive noise. This notice remains in force for up to 72 hours following the issue.

If excessive noise is not reduced to a reasonable level straight away, or the noise is deemed excessive again within the 72 hour period, the enforcement officer and a police officer may enter the premises and equipment may be seized or rendered.

Also, an instant fine between $500 and $750 for not complying with a notice to reduce excessive noise may be served.

A conviction in court can bring a fine up to $10,000 and, if the offence is a continuing one, further fines up to $1,000 for every day or part of a day during which the offence continues.

Noise from commercial or industrial activity

Loud noise that comes from commercial or industrial activity may be considered unreasonable based on a number of set criteria. This type of noise is usually assessed by using a noise meter. The noise level and its characteristics are assessed against existing designated standards.