Noise issues

In Victoria, there are laws controlling noise. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and other government regulators are primarily responsible for managing noise, and its impacts.

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

Noise is also addressed in Council’s planning and local laws under certain circumstances.

The EPA and Council encourage you, when it is appropriate and safe to do so, to speak to the people causing the noise first before you submit a report.  

 

 

How to report noise issues to us

Before you report a noise concern to the EPA or Council, you must gather the following information:

  1. The exact location of the noise – full street address.
  2. Evidence (photo) or a recording of the noise

This information must be included in your report.

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 construction activity

Construction activity is a normal and necessary part of life in the City of Stonnington. As our municipality continues to renew, grow and develop, building works will at times create noise and disruption. While this can be an annoyance, it supports the ongoing improvement of our community as a place to live and work.

To help balance development with community amenity, construction activity is only permitted during the following hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 7.00am – 6.00pm
  • Saturday: 9.00am – 6.00pm
  • Sundays and Public Holidays: Not permitted

Construction activity outside these hours is only allowed where a specific permit has been issued by Council.

Construction Noise During Permitted Hours

Any noise related to Construction is allowed during the permitted hours listed above.

If you are directly affected by construction noise during these times and have concerns about the level of noise being excessive, you should contact the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to report the matter.

Council is unable to investigate or take action in relation to construction noise that occurs within the permitted hours.

Noise Outside Permitted Hours

Construction noise outside the permitted hours may be investigated by Council.

If you are directly affected by construction activity occurring outside the approved times, you can report the matter to Council for investigation.

Your report must include all required information and supporting evidence to enable us to assess the issue.

Response Timeframes

Council will respond to complaints regarding out-of-hours construction noise within 48 hours (during business hours).

Please note that submitting multiple reports about the same issue within a 48-hour period will not escalate or prioritise your complaint.

Report noise issues from construction activity

Waste collection noise

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

Please select "Other Public Noise" in the drop-down menu.

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.

Please select "Burglar Alarm" in the drop-down menu.

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.