Noise Exemption Permits

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 or instruments, such as concerts or the use of loud speakers.
  • Construction noises outside the allowable hours, including continuous concrete pouring and large crane work.

There are five types of applications:

  • Amplified or Instrument Sound
  • Construction
  • Continuous Concrete Pour
  • Large Crane Work
  • Other Sounds

Note: All applications must be submitted within 28 days prior to the start of an event or activity. Failure to do so may result in a late fee or result in the permit not being processed in time.

Most applications take three to four weeks to process. More complex applications such as lengthy construction projects and those requiring noise mitigation plans or noise monitoring could take longer.

Application requirements differ depending on the application type. All applicants must submit a completed noise exemption permit application online through the Noise Exemption Permits Application portal.

After receiving an application, the City will assess it against the Noise Exemption Permit Screening Criteria to determine which level the application falls under. This level will determine the applicable fee, if supplementary documentation is required, and additional conditions that may apply to the permit.

After reviewing an application, the City may require:

  • For construction exemption permits, a corporate profile report or articles of incorporation (if the applicant is a corporation).
  • A City of Toronto Parks Letter of Conditions if your event is occurring in a City park.
  • A site plan which includes speaker/equipment placement and direction, lot lines and the distance to the nearest residence.
  • Reasons supporting an exemption permit.
  • A noise mitigation plan which outlines actions to be taken to reduce and mitigate the impact of the noise event.
  • A certified statement from a professional engineer or acoustical consultant for any sound that is not technically or operationally feasible to control.
  • Any other information or documents that may be required related to the exemption permit application.
  1. Submit your application through the Noise Exemption Permits Application portal online.
  2. Once your application has been submitted and reviewed, you will receive an email to pay the non-refundable application fees online through the Noise Exemption Permit Payments portal

If you are looking to submit an application in person or by regular mail, please email NoiseTO@toronto.ca or call 416-392-4380 and staff will help make arrangements.

Application Fee

Amplified, Instrument, Construction and Other Sound

  • Level 1: $114.40 (no tax)
  • Level 2: $353.60 (no tax)
  • Level 3: $592.80 (no tax)

Continuous Concrete Pour: $476.32 (no tax)
Large Crane Work: $476.32 (no tax)
Late Application Fee: $88.40 (no tax)

Method of Payment

Payments must be made online through the Noise Exemption Permit Payments portal. You will receive an invoice via email that includes the link to the Noise Exemption Permit Payments portal.

Noise Monitoring Fees

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.

Monitoring fees vary between $82.16 to $107.12 per staff per hour, plus applicable taxes. The fee depends on the staff required and whether overtime or holiday coverage is required. Events may require more than one officer, depending on the time of day, type of event or the size of the event and this is determined during the application review.

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

  • Monitoring by bylaw enforcement officer of sound levels at an event or activity: $82.16 + tax.
  • Monitoring by bylaw enforcement officer of sound levels at an event or activity, where overtime coverage or statutory holiday applies: $96.72 + tax.
  • Monitoring by City staff (supervisor) of sounds levels at an event or activity: $90.48 + tax.
  • Monitoring by City staff (supervisor) of sound levels at an event or activity, where overtime coverage or statutory holiday applies: $107.12 + tax.

Noise exemption permits are provided according to the requirements in the Noise Bylaw. After receiving an application, the City will:

  • Review the application for completeness and request any required supporting documentation.
  • Provide the applicant with instructions on how to pay any other additional fees required.
  • If applicable, assess permits to differentiate higher and lower impact activities (Level 1, 2 or 3 permits).

If required, the City will provide notice, in writing, to the local Ward Councillor where the event or activity is to be held. The Councillor must review and respond to the notice in order for the permit to be issued. The permit application will be approved if:

  • For permits categorized Level 1 or 2: the Councillor does not respond within 14 days or responds indicating that they have no objection to the application being approved.
  • For permits categorized as Level 3: the Councillor responds indicating they have no objection to the application being approved.
  • The applicant has complied, to the satisfaction of the City, with the last noise exemption permit issued to them;
  • The applicant has provided information and supporting documents as requested by the City (such as the purpose of the exemption permit, the description of any sound equipment, contact information, etc.); and
  • The applicant has paid all required fees and/or bylaw related fines.

Applications for noise exemption permits for continuous concrete pouring or large crane work, are not sent to the local Councillor. Exemption permits for continuous concrete pouring and large crane work may be issued if the information requested by the City is satisfactory and the conditions of the permit have been met.

If the City refuses to grant a noise exemption permit, the applicant is notified in writing that they may appeal the decision to the Community Council which has jurisdiction for the location of the proposed event or activity. The timeline for filing the appeal is 21 days of the date of the notice. An appeal fee must also be paid.

All noise exemption permits are subject to the conditions listed on the issued permit, also found in the Noise Bylaw. This may include:

  • Distributing a notice about the exemption permit to those within a 120 metre radius of the event at least seven (7) days prior to the start of the event or activity.
  • Adhering to a noise mitigation plan.
  • Adhering to specific orientation of equipment for the duration of the event or activity.
  • Installing dampeners or deadeners or other noise protection equipment.

In addition to the Noise Exemption Permit Screening Criteria, the City may review an application and determine the appropriate level based on the following factors:

  • The requested dates and times of the event/activity.
  • Distance of the activity or event to the nearest residence and/or property line.
  • Compliance with previous exemption permits issued to the applicant or organizer.
  • Noise related complaints, investigations, charges or convictions related to the location of the event or the applicant.

The screening criteria is subject to change, the most up to date information will be made available on this webpage.

The noise exemption permit must be posted in a visible location where the noise will occur, seven days before the noise takes place. If posting at the physical location is not possible, the City may alter or waive this condition to allow for posting of the permit online.

Information about all noise exemption permits issued as of January 1, 2024, as well as any active permits that were issued prior to this date is available on Open Data.

Depending on the location of the event, applicants may also require additional permits or approvals, such as a parks permit, temporary street occupation permit, special events permit or a City of Toronto business licence.

Please note that the issuance of a noise exemption permit does not eliminate the need to comply with any other applicable bylaws or legislation.