Bylaw enforcement - noise - amplified or musical instrument noise

Definition: Amplified Sound is sound made by any electronic device or a group of connected electronic devices incorporating one or more loudspeakers or other electro-mechanical transducers, and intended for the production, reproduction, or amplification of sound.

Amplified sound is generally sound coming from a loudspeaker that amplifies music, voices or other sounds.  This can include sounds from nightclubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, patios or concerts:

Instrument sound is made by any musical instrument, including the unamplified playing of percussion instruments.

  • The Bylaw has limits for amplified sound and/or instrument sound levels, which are measured at the point the sound is heard (also known as the point of reception)
  • Bylaw Enforcement Officers measure the sound levels of the amplified sounds from outside or inside your property as well as the background noise with the amplified sounds off
  • The Officers will then determine whether the sound levels are in compliance with the bylaw
  • There are lower sound level limits within an indoor living area and at night.  For more information refer to the bylaw Section (591-2.1).

More details can be found by viewing Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 591, Noise.   

If you have a concern, consider speaking with those responsible for making the noise to give them an opportunity to correct the issue. If this approach does not work, you can submit a service request online at www.toronto.ca/311 or call 311. Select Bylaw Violations and Property Issues, Noise Complaints.

To report amplified sound or sound system being used by a Buskers, Street Entertainer, or any person using amplified sound on the sidewalk, you can submit a service request online at www.toronto.ca/311 or call 311. Select Bylaw Violations and Property Issues, Business Related Complaints, then Public Spaces Complaints.

Note: Municipal Licensing and Standards Division does not respond to noise complaints regarding demonstrations, party boats, 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. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Government work and noise due to safety measures are exempt from the Noise Bylaw. Government work includes construction, rehabilitation, or maintenance work conducted by the City, Province of Ontario, Government of Canada, and 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 and bells or whistles operated by rail or transit services. This also includes other emergency measures as outlined in the bylaw (591-3.1).

For more information, visit the  Noise webpage.


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.

Mediation can help deliver better service, divert some cases from bylaw enforcement, and get to the root cause of long-standing community or neighbour-to-neighbour issues. The process is separate from bylaw enforcement and completely confidential.

Residents may seek resolution to their issue using mediation services directly to TNG Community Services
 

Amplified noise in a City park

Unless granted a permit, one should not operate loudspeakers or amplifying equipment from any source in a park. This includes special events that feature amplified sound, such as concerts or the use of loudspeakers.

Learn more about the noise exemption process.