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
- General rules from the noise bylaw
- Make a noise complaint
- Apply for a noise exemption
- Approved exemptions
- 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:
- 519-888-4911 for University of Waterloo
- 519-885-3333 for Wilfrid Laurier University
Apply for a noise exemption
The city will only approve noise exemptions for up to 6 months.
- Download and complete a noise exemption application (PDF).
- 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.
- Submit forms in person at city hall at least 60 days before the exemption is requested to begin.
- Pay the $412.16 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 or municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca
Approved exemptions
Find information about approved noise bylaw exemptions below.
| Edna Staebler Spring Social at 450 Bernay Drive on May 29, 2025 |
| Find Edna Staebler Public School (450 Bernay Drive) on Google Maps
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Approved: Permit amplified music |
Exemption applications
The below noise exemption applications are currently under review. You can provide feedback on them before the date listed with each application.
| Lost Frequency Presents: California at 59 King Street North on May 23, 2025 |
| Find 59 King Street North on Google Maps
Time: 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Request: To permit amplified music Feedback Deadline: May 16, 2025 |
| Summer Solstice Block Party, Lakeshore North on June 21, 2025 |
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Find Lakeshore North on Google Maps Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Request: To permit amplified music Feedback Deadline: May 30, 2025 Note: there is a proposed alternative rain out date requested for June 22, 2025 |
| Outdoor Concert at 395 King Street North on July 4, 2025 |
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Find 395 King Street North on Google Maps Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. Request: To permit amplified sound Feedback Deadline: June 20, 2025 |
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Outdoor Movie Night at 395 King Street North on August 8, 2025 |
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Find 395 King Street North on Google Maps Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. Request: To permit amplified sound Feedback Deadline: June 20, 2025 |
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Varsity Football Game at 81 Seagram Drive on August 30, 2025 |
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Find 81 Seagram Drive on Google Maps Time: 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Request: To permit amplified sound and music Feedback Deadline: August 1, 2025 |
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Varsity Football Game at 81 Seagram Drive on October 10, 2025 |
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Find 81 Seagram Drive on Google Maps Time: 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Request: To permit amplified sound and music Feedback Deadline: September 12, 2025 |
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:
- by e-mail at municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca
- by phone 519-747-8785
- in writing to Municipal Enforcement Services, 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4A8