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 $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

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

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: