The Noise Bylaw provides standards for noise in the City of Toronto. This includes decibel limits and time restrictions for certain types of noise. If you wish to review and understand the different types of noise regulated by the Bylaw, you can find them on the City of Toronto Website - Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 591, Noise.
Unreasonable and persistent noise is not allowed at any time. Bylaw regulations by type of noise can be found on the City website. Note: The noise has to be both unreasonable and persistent to be an offense.
Unreasonable noise is any noise that would disturb the peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort, or convenience of a reasonable person. It does not include commonplace household or workplace sounds such as furniture being moved, children playing, or people engaged in conversation.
Persistent noise is any noise that is continuously heard for a period of ten minutes or more or intermittently over a period of one hour or more.
A car alarm going off once or twice is not sufficient. If the alarm is going off numerous times or multiple times in a week, we suggest that you keep a log that would include the dates and times. This may help in determining a pattern and assist Municipal Licensing and Standards with their investigation.
If you have a concern, consider speaking with those responsible for making the noise to give them an opportunity to correct the issue, or you can reach out for mediation support.. If this approach does not work, you can submit a complaint below, or call 311.
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.