Noise Exemption Application

Purpose

The City of Burlington’s Noise and Nuisance Control By-law 019-2003 regulates noise and outlines when exemptions may be granted. Use this application form to apply for a Noise Exemption.

When Do You Need a Noise Exemption?

You may need to apply for a Noise Exemption for certain activities that generate noise and are not automatically permitted under the Noise By-law.

A Noise Exemption is required for activities like:

• Construction work outside permitted hours (early morning, evening, or weekends);
• Road, utility, or repair work being done by private contractors during restricted times;
• Generators, machinery, or equipment running during restricted hours

If you are unsure whether your activity requires an exemption, please apply or contact the City for clarification.

The following activities are exempt from the Noise By-law and do not require a Noise Exemption application: 

Operation of authorized emergency vehicles.

Operation of bells, utilized as traffic control devices including the following:

• bells at traffic signal locations;
• bells at railway crossings.

Operation of equipment and machinery by or on behalf of the City carrying on or engaged in the performance of public works for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to:

• winter snow clearing and removal equipment;
• turfgrass maintenance and repair equipment;
• traffic line painting machines;
• catch basin cleaners;
• tree and shrub pruning and mulching equipment;
• sidewalk grinding and repair equipment;
• street cleaners and flushers.

The operation of an air horn:

• For emergency purposes as a signaling and/or warning device; or
• For the purpose of hazing wildlife; or
• Where required or authorized by law and in accordance with good safety practices.

Activities approved by Council through a report from the Chief Noise Control Officer.

Submission Timing:

Applications must be submitted at least 14 days before the activity takes place.

Noise exemptions may be requested for a period of up to six months maximum.

Submission Standards:

To help avoid delays with your application, please provide as much detail as possible about your noise-exemption needs. The documents you must upload will depend on your noise-related activity. A list of required documents is provided below.

For construction-related exemptions, please prepare:

• A site sketch or plan that shows where the noise will come from and the nearby places that may be sensitive to noise (for example: hospitals, schools, or senior residences, nearby neighbourhoods);
• If the noise will happen in more than one stage, provide a work schedule or diagram showing each stage;
• A copy of the notice that will be distributed to all residences and other affected properties within a 150-metre radius of the subject property.

Notice of Collection

Personal information contained on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, and will be used for the purposes of administering your request for, and use of, a Noise Exemption and to ensure compliance with the City of Burlington Noise and Nuisance Control By-law 019-2003, as amended. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Manager, Licensing and Administration By-law Compliance, Phone: 905-335-7777, ext. 7886.

For further information or if you have questions, please contact:

By-law Enforcement
City of Burlington
426 Brant Street, PO Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6

Phone: 905-335-7731
Fax: 905-335-7876
Email: bylaw@burlington.ca