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 or sound-induced vibration 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.
Sound-induced vibration are generated from sound waves that can be physically felt and are transmitted through solid structures, liquids, surfaces or the ground.
Persistent noise is any noise or sound-induced vibration that is continuously heard or felt for a period of ten minutes or more or heard or felt intermittently for a time totaling ten minutes over a one-hour period.
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. 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