To reduce noise from regulated devices, you can: If you are planning an activity that makes noise, you should inform your neighbours. If your neighbors have concerns, you may be able to find a way to accommodate them. A waste container and an accompanying noise information sheet are also available (DOCX, 110.54 KB). When investigating noise complaints, the Council may consider: If you cannot resolve noise issues, you can file a complaint. We will investigate noise complaints under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. In some cases, we may issue an instruction or fine on the spot. Conditions that determine the volume of entertainment or guest noise may be imposed when your licence is granted or amended, or due to justified noise complaints. These tips can help reduce noise pollution in your area. The type of entertainment offered is not relevant to deciding whether or not to impose a noise-based condition of licence. To help you keep track of the details, it`s a good idea to fill out a daily journal that you can submit with your complaint. You can download the sample noise log (DOC, 46.5 KB). If the noise level in an establishment exceeds the following values, a fine or decision may be imposed on the person responsible: This information is also available as a noise information sheet for air-conditioning systems (DOCX, 112.64 KB).
Sometimes construction noise can reach permitted levels, but still be considered noise pollution if assessed against emission criteria. In this case, the Council may send a communication to the person responsible. If a motorboat is used for sporting activities on waterways at the following times, a fine or notice may be imposed if noise is heard continuously on a field for more than two minutes: If you use your device at other times, you must ensure that the noise level is not more than 10 decibels (A) above the background level. If noise from the amplifier is audible in an affected building between the following hours, a fine or notice may be issued to the person responsible: Certain types of liquor licences may allow you to provide entertainment if you meet certain requirements, such as ensuring that the premises are soundproofed enough to avoid unreasonable noise that affects nearby residents and businesses. Some venues, such as nightclubs, are specifically allowed to provide entertainment. If there is a permit for the area with a noise condition, the Board may issue an announcement or an enforcement order requesting action. Outdoor entertainment events, including the following, must meet permitted noise levels and must not disturb neighbours: The condition of your licence limits noise to the appropriate level specified in the acoustic report. The Council may, during a complaint investigation, conduct noise monitoring using a sound level meter on your premises.
Problematic noise and background noise (noise level without problematic noise) are measured. The sound level meter is the most accurate way to measure noise. Other devices (e.g. smartphones) do not have the same functions and are not as accurate, so they are not used by the Council. Note: These provisions do not apply to builders or contractors working on a construction project. There are special noise limits for construction work. The Commission supports the use of technology to record regulated equipment noise. This can help support a complaint and provide good evidence. For example, you could provide a video of the person causing the alleged noise nuisance, or an audio recording with an image of the activity causing the alleged nuisance. These noise limits do not apply if Council has prescribed a limit for certain prescribed equipment or equipment activities on a property in a development permit or local legal permit. In this case, the person/company must comply with the conditions set for the authorisation. If you are affected by the noise, talk to the person responsible and try to find a solution that satisfies everyone.
The agreement on the times of use, alternative places for the activity or equipment used are some examples of topics that you can discuss. Give them time to implement the measures. Licensed venues without entertainment can (in most cases) have a maximum noise limit of 75 decibels, measured about 3 meters from the source. If a regulated device causes a nuisance outside the time limits, the board will conduct an on-site investigation. To report noise complaints, call Council on 07 3403 8888. It is best to call when noise occurs to ensure an immediate response. Noise in the neighborhood can be annoying and, if loud enough, can affect people`s health. Learn about acceptable noise levels, how to reduce noise and the complaint process. The Council investigates most noise complaints under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Some locations have building permits with noise requirements.
In these cases, Council investigates the complaint under the Planning Act, 2016. Air-conditioning systems must comply with permissible sound levels and must not cause noise pollution. Noise limits do not apply if council has approved certain equipment or activities under local law and these noise conditions are listed on the permit. In certain circumstances, activities and equipment operated within the prescribed limits and time frames may also be assessed against the general emission criteria and noise emission criteria set out in the Environmental Protection Act 1994. If noise is perceived as disturbing when assessed against these criteria, a directional notice may be issued to the responsible person. You should not carry out construction work that causes audible noise during these times: If you can hear noise in a residential building at the following hours, Brisbane City Council may fine you. Background noise is noise that is measured in the absence of problematic noise (for example, when the pump is not turned on). The Environmental Protection Act of 1994 sets noise limits for residential areas. When you send a recording, video or image to the Commission, add the following: It is important to note that affidavits and additional information may be used as evidence for enforcement actions. In these circumstances, the court may require the production of evidence.
Noise limits apply in Brisbane for the use of these devices: this restriction applies to a person carrying out construction work on their residential property, except with a building permit. Typical musical volumes associated with common forms of entertainment are listed in the table below. If you do not feel comfortable with the council visiting your accommodation, you can provide the council with specific information and evidence. Required information includes: To file a complaint with the Board, you must submit: You must appoint a qualified sound engineer or acoustic consultant to prepare the acoustic report.
