Noise Exemption Permit

The Noise Bylaw provides standards for noise in Toronto. This includes decibel limits and time restrictions for some types of noise.

Noise Exemption Permits can be requested for events or activities that may be in contravention of the Noise Bylaw. Examples include:

  • special events that feature amplified sound, such as concerts or the use of loud speakers
  • construction noises outside the allowable hours, including continuous concrete pouring and large crane work.

Note: Please submit your application at least four weeks in advance of the event or activity.

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, 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).

Application Package

To apply for a Noise Exemption Permit, applicants must submit the following:

Additional Information

Upon review of an application, the City may require:

  • Reasons supporting an exemption permit. Applicant may be requested to provide supplementary reasons in greater detail in addition to the information required in this application.
  • Noise Mitigation Plan. Applicant may be required to submit a noise mitigation plan outlining actions to be taken to reduce and mitigate the impact of the noise event.
  • Statement certified by a professional engineer or acoustical consultant. Applicant may be required to submit a statement for any sounds that are not technically or operationally feasible to control.

Noise Exemption Permit applications can be submitted by email. All applicants must also pay the $100 application fee.

Email

Email the completed application to NoiseTO@toronto.ca. Once the application has been submitted, applicants will receive an invoice number by email. This invoice can then be paid online at the City of Toronto Licensing Services Payments webpage.

Application Fee

  • $100 (no tax)

Method of Payment

Payments must be made online at the City of Toronto Licensing Services Payments webpage.

Noise Monitoring Fee

This is an additional fee separate from the application fee. During review of an application, the City may determine that noise monitoring is required for permit approval. Noise monitoring is done by Bylaw Enforcement Officers.

The monitoring fee is $60 per hour per officer, plus applicable taxes. Events occurring after 7 p.m. may require two officers.

Applicants will be advised if this is a requirement, and payment must be received before a permit is issued.

A normal application takes three weeks to process, including two weeks with the City Councillor’s Office. More complex applications such as lengthy construction projects and those requiring noise mitigation plans could take longer. Please plan accordingly and submit your application at least four weeks in advance of the event or activity.

Approval Process

All applications will first be reviewed by staff in Municipal Licensing and Standards (ML&S). Applicants will be advised if additional information or noise monitoring is required.

ML&S will review and approve or deny exemption permits for continuous concrete pouring and large crane work.

All other exemption requests will be sent to the local Councillor(s) for approval. The local Councillor has 14 days to review an application. If they do not respond within 14 days and all required conditions are met, the permit will be approved. If an exemption permit is denied, an applicant can appeal within 21 days of the decision to their local Community Council.

Displaying Permit

Unless waived by ML&S, the exemption permit must be posted in a visible location where the noise will occur, seven days before the noise takes place.

Depending on the location of the event, applicants may also require additional permits or approvals, such as a parks permit or a road closure permit.

For current projects

  • Projects that will be completed by December 31, 2019, and have existing building permits do not need to obtain a continuous pour and crane exemption permit.
  • Projects that will be completed by December 31, 2019 and have received a noise exemption permit do not need to resubmit their application.
  • Projects that will continue into 2020 need to apply for noise exemption permits, including permits for continuous concrete pouring and large crane work.

For projects without existing exemption permits

  • Projects will need to comply with the new Noise Bylaw and the new exemption permit process, including continuous pour and crane exemption permits.
  • If you are granted a Noise Exemption Permit, Municipal Licensing and Standards may also request:
    • Noise monitoring
    • Noise mitigation plans
    • Statement certified by a professional engineer or acoustical consultant for any sounds that are not technically or operationally feasible to control.