Noise complaints and exemptions

The city's noise bylaw sets out standards for different types of noise. 

On this page

  1. General rules from the noise bylaw
  2. Make a noise complaint
  3. Noise bylaw exemptions
  4. Apply for a noise exemption

General rules from the noise bylaw

The rules include:

  • persistent noise is prohibited at all times
  • yelling, shouting, and loud voices are prohibited from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Sundays)
  • residential renovation noise is prohibited from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Sundays)
  • commercial construction noise is prohibited from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (all day on Sundays and holidays)

Make a noise complaint

To request enforcement call 519-747-8785.

If the noise is taking place on a university campus, call:

Noise bylaw exemptions

January to April 30 2023 at 308 King Street North

Notice is hereby given that an application is being made to the Director of Municipal Enforcement Services for the City of Waterloo for an exemption to the City of Waterloo Noise By-law #2010-073 which prohibits amplified sound between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The applicant Luiz Matos, is requesting an exemption from January to April 30 2023 at 308 King St N.

A noise exemption permitting for construction noise from excavation machinery, generators, truck engines and any other construction related noises.
The permit would be to work from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, typically 2 days per week.

Comments can be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on February 4:

  • in writing to Municipal Enforcement Service, 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4A8
  • by phone at 519-747-8785 
  • by e-mail at municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca

March 4 to March 11, 2023 at 194 Erb Street West

Notice is hereby given that an application is being made to the Director of Municipal Enforcement Services for the City of Waterloo for an exemption to the City of Waterloo Noise By-law #2010-073 which prohibits amplified sound between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The applicant Randy Gerber, is requesting an exemption as follows:

  • A noise exemption permitting for construction noise from:
    • cement mixer
    • generators
    • truck engines
    • any other construction related noises
  • The permit would be to work from 4:00 am to 7:00 pm, typically 2 - 3 days per week at 194 Erb St. W

Comments can be submitted by 4:30 p.m. by February 25 2023 in writing to Municipal Enforcement Service, 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4A8 by phone at 519-747-8785 by email at municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca

Apply for a noise exemption

  1. Download and complete a noise exemption application (PDF).
  2. Submit forms in person at city hall at least 60 days before the exemption is requested to begin.
  3. Pay the applicable fee. We accept cash, debit, credit, cheque or money order (playable to the City of Waterloo).

To find out if you need a noise exemption, contact us at 519-747-8785, 1-866-786-3941 (TTY) or municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca