Report Noise Complaints

Understanding Noise Complaints in Toronto

Toronto’s noise bylaw sets rules for acceptable noise levels, including limits on volume and times when certain noises are allowed. This helps keep the city’s vibrant and growing communities comfortable. Further information on Noise including Fines for Bylaw Violations can be found on the City website.

Toronto is a growing vibrant city, where noise can be common. We encourage residents to exercise a reasonable degree of tolerance and to review the  bylaw regulations before submitting a complaint. 

Noise Bylaw Overview

  • The bylaw sets decibel limits and time restrictions for various types of noise.
  • Noise complaints are prioritized based on frequency and impact.
  • For information on the different type of noise complaint that can be submitted, please review the related article links below.

What to Do If You Have a Noise Concern

Before filing a complaint, try these steps:

  • Speak directly to the person responsible for the noise. They may not be aware of the issue.
  • If you are a tenant, talk to your landlord and allow them reasonable time to address the problem.
  • If you are a landlord, engage with tenant or others involved to resolve the matter.

If this does not work, consider median services as a way to solve the problem without conflict.

Submitting a Noise Complaint

If noise issues persist, you can you submit a service request at the appropriate link below, or by calling 311.

What Happens After You Submit a Complaint?

  • The goal is to resolve the issue and achieve compliance with the bylaw.
  • A bylaw enforcement officer will be assigned to respond to your request and will contact you according to the assessed priority of the service request.
  • Each issue is addressed on a case-by-case basis to make sure reasonable, fair and appropriate actions are taken.
  • If there is a possible noise bylaw violation, the officer may conduct an investigation. Bylaw officers use sound meters to measure noise and compare it to the bylaw standards.
  • Outcome may include education, mediation, and/or enforcement actions.
  • In the event that legal action is necessary, you may be asked to provide a witness statement and give evidence in court.

Noise Exemption Permits

Individuals and organization can apply for a noise exemption permit for specific events or activities that may be in contravention of the Noise Bylaw if all the application requirements are met. Learn more about the noise exemption process

Report Permitted or Exempted Noise

Report noise that is exempt or permitted during allowable hours and does not violate the Noise Bylaw. These reports will not be investigated but will be recorded to help inform future policy and enforcement decisions.

For more information, please refer to the related article links below. You can submit a service request using the link below or by calling 311.

Using Mediation in Noise Complaints

The City has partnered with TNG Community Services, an organization that provides free voluntary community mediation services to Toronto residents, as an alternative means to resolving a dispute with the help of neutral mediators. Further information can be found by visiting the TNG Community Services website. 

Noise Outside the Scope of the Bylaw

Certain types of noise are exempt from the Noise Bylaw or outside the scope, including:

  • Government-related work and noise due to safety measures
    • This includes construction, rehabilitation, or maintenance work conducted by the City, Province of Ontario, Government of Canada, any of its agencies or agents. including the operation of motor vehicles and equipment actually engaged in the work.
  • Safety measures include:
    • Bells or sirens operated by police, fire, and paramedic services
    • Bells or whistles operated by rail or transit services
    • This also includes other emergency measures as outlined in the Bylaw (591-3.1).
  • Waste collection noise
  • Noise from moving vehicles or traffic
  • Airport and aircraft noise
  • Noise from watercrafts (e.g. party boats)
  • Noise from trains or railways

Important Notes 

The Municipal Licensing and Standards Division does not respond to:

  • Isolated events that are unlikely to reoccur
  • Infrequent noise
  • Issues under the jurisdiction of another agency
  • Exemptions from the Noise Bylaw
  • Demonstrations
  • Noisy parties, or noise from people acting disorderly, such as yelling, screaming and fighting.
  • To report these types of noise, call the Toronto Police Service non-emergency number at 416-202-222 or call 911 for emergencies.

In situations where no formal investigation will be done, data from complaints is still captured by the City to inform future policies