Noise complaints and exemptions

The city's noise bylaw limits excessive noise. Make a noise complaint. Apply for a noise bylaw exemption. Review current exemptions and applications.

On this page

  1. General rules from the noise bylaw
  2. Make a noise complaint
  3. Apply for a noise exemption
  4. Approved exemptions
  5. Exemption applications

General rules from the noise bylaw

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

  • no yelling, shouting, and loud voices from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Sundays)
  • no residential renovation noise from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Sundays)
  • no commercial construction noise 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:

Apply for a noise exemption

The city will only approve noise exemptions for up to 6 months.

  1. Download and complete a noise exemption application (PDF).
  2. We also require a site plan with every application that outlines where noise will be coming from and the distance to the nearest residential property.
  3. Submit forms in person at city hall at least 60 days before the exemption is requested to begin.
  4. Pay the $398.22 fee. We accept cash, debit, credit, cheque or money order (payable 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

Approved exemptions

Find information about approved noise bylaw exemptions below.

Waterloo Park on September 5 2024
Find Waterloo Park on Google Maps

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Request: To permit the amplification of noise from electronic device(s)

Note: This is a Wilfrid Laurier University sanctioned event
196 Sunview Street on September 6 2024
Find 196 Sunview Street on Google Maps

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Request: To permit the amplification of noise from electronic device(s)

Note: This is a Wilfrid Laurier University sanctioned event
Frank Tompa Drive (Field 7) on September 7 2024

Find Field 7 on Google Maps

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Request: To permit the amplification of noise from electronic device(s)

Note: This is a University of Waterloo sanctioned event
55 Northfield Drive East on October 14, 2024

Find 55 Northfield Drive East on Google Maps

Time: 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Request: To permit noise associated with hood stack cleaning

Exemption applications

The below noise exemption applications are currently under review. You can provide feedback on them before the date listed with each application.


Provide feedback on a noise exemption application

We review public feedback on all noise exemption applications before making a decision. Submit your feedback by the date listed for each application: