Noise issues

In Victoria, there are laws controlling noise. This includes planning and local laws. EPA and other government regulators also have a responsibility to manage noise, and the impacts.  

When it is appropriate and safe to do so, EPA encourages you to speak to the people causing the noise first.  

The EPA defines acceptable times for noise. You can find a full list on their website.  

How to report noise issues to us

Before you report a noise concern, it is important you have confirmed the exact location of the noise. 

We require evidence or a recording of the noise to investigate the issue. If you are able to send any evidence to assist, please mention it in your report. 

We may not be able to enforce action without evidence or a recording of the alleged noise. 

Building works noise

Building activity is permitted within these hours: 

  • Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm 

  • Saturday 9am – 6pm 

If you are concerned about the level of noise, you can report the issue to us for investigation. 

Residential property noise

Noise from musical instruments, excessive alarms or audio equipment is allowed between the following hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 7 am to 10 pm. 

  • Friday: 7 am to 11 pm. 

  • Saturday and public holidays: 9 am to 11 pm. 

  • Sunday: 9 am to 10 pm. 

For noise after these hours, you can contact the owner's corporation or the police to report the issue. 

Household devices

Household devices are electronic devices used within a home. This includes air conditioners, motor vehicles, pool pumps, power tools and vacuum cleaners. 

Noise from household devices is allowed during the following hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 7am to 8pm  

  • Weekends and public holidays: 9am to 8pm  

We cannot enforce noise control for people in their private outdoor space. This includes talking or mingling outside in a backyard or balcony.  

If the noise is excessive or causing issues outside of these hours, you can report it us. 

Noise issues from building works

Building activity is permitted within these hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 7am to 6pm 

  • Saturday: 9am - 6pm 

Activity is not permitted on public holidays and Sundays, unless a permit is obtained.  

If you are concerned about the level of construction noise during permitted hours, please contact the EPA to report your issue. 

If your concern is about noise outside permitted hours, you can report the issue to us for investigation 

Report noise issues from building works

Waste collection noise

If you have an issue regarding waste collection noise, you can report it online.

Report waste collection noise

Business or commercial property noise

If you have a noise issue regarding a business or commercial property, you can report it to us for investigation.

Report business or commercial property noise

Commercial bin noise (non-Council)

If you have a noise issue regarding commercial bins, you can report it to us for investigation.

Commercial bin noise (non-Council)

Public space noise

If you have an issue with noise in a public space you can report it to us for investigation.

This includes gardens and parks in Stonnington.

Report public space noise

Dog barking or animal issues

If you are concerned about a barking dog or animal noise, we suggest talking to your neighbour or building manager first. 

For tips, as well as a letter template to help you raise the issue with your neighbour, visit dealing with barking dogs. 

If you are unable to resolve the issue with your neighbour, you can report your concern to us. 

We will provide you with a Dog Barking Diary to record the behaviour so we can investigate the issue. If you are concerned about a barking dog or animal noise, we suggest talking to your neighbour or building manager first. 

For tips, as well as a letter template to help you raise the issue with your neighbour, visit dealing with barking dogs. 

If you are unable to resolve the issue with your neighbour, you can report your concern to us. 

We will provide you with a Dog Barking Diary to record the behaviour so we can investigate the issue. 

Report dog barking or animal issues

Alarm noise

If you have a noise issue regarding an alarm, you can report it to us for investigation.

Report alarm noise

Entertainment noise from a licensed premise

If you have an issue with entertainment noise from a licensed premise, you can report it to us for investigation.

Report entertainment noise from a licensed premise

Commercial delivery noise

If you have an issue regarding deliveries to a commercial property, you can report it to us for investigation.

Report commercial delivery noise

Other noise issues

If you have a noise concern that is not mentioned above, please contact us.

 

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