Whether it's from music, air conditioners, power tools, pool pumps or other sources, excessive noise can be very disruptive.
Council can investigate reports of ongoing noise issues in line with NSW legislation. Use the button at the bottom of this page to let us know if there's a noise problem in your neighbourhood.
For one-off noises like late night parties, you should call the Police on 131 444.
Construction noise
Please see our Construction Noise page to report an issue with noise related to building work.
All other noise reports
This information may change without notice. You can also visit the NSW EPA website for more information.
| Noise source | Time restrictions when noise should not be heard in a residential* room in a neighbour's residence |
|---|---|
| Power tools and equipment (powered garden tools, eg. lawn mowers, lawn trimmers, edge cutter and leaf blowers; electric or pneumatic tools, chainsaws, circular saws and gas or air compressors) |
Before 8 am and after 8 pm on weekends and public holidays. Before 7 am and after 8 pm on any other day. |
| Pumps, including swimming pool and spa pumps but excluding heat pump water heaters |
Before 8 am and after 9 pm on weekends and public holidays. Before 7 am and after 9 pm on any other day. |
| Musical instruments and electrically amplified sound equipment (eg. radios, TVs, tape recorders, CD and DVD players, and home theatre systems) |
Before 8 am and after midnight on any Friday, Saturday or the day immediately before a public holiday. Before 8 am and after 10 pm on any other day. |
| Air conditioners |
Before 8 am and after 11 pm on weekends and public holidays. Before 7 am and after 11 pm on any other day. No restrictions during severe or extreme heatwaves**. |
| Heat pump water heaters |
Before 8 am and after 10 pm on weekends and public holidays. Before 7 am and after 10 pm on any other day. |
| Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving residential premises) |
Before 8 am and after 8 pm on weekends and public holidays. Before 7 am and after 8 pm on any other day. |
| Refrigeration units fitted to motor vehicles*** |
Before 8 am and after 8 pm on weekends and public holidays.
Before 7 am and after 8 pm on any other day. |
* Residential room, of residential premises, means a room that is not used as a garage, storage area, bathroom, laundry, toilet or pantry.
** The Bureau of Meteorology’s website has issued a severe or extreme heatwave warning for the weather district of the residential premises and the warning was in force when the air conditioner was used.
*** This applies whether or not the vehicle is located on residential premises.
Barking dog
If your neighbour’s dog is barking and disturbing you, the first step is to talk to your neighbour if you can. They might not know there’s a problem, especially if the dog barks when they’re not home.
If the owner agrees to do something about the barking, please wait a few weeks to see if their efforts are successful. Council is also happy to provide advice on how to assist with barking dog behaviour.
If you can’t talk to your neighbour, or if their efforts don't change anything, please contact Council to discuss further options using the button below or call us on (02) 4227 7111.
If your neighbour is making noise that disturbs you, it's a good idea to talk to them as a first step. They may not even be aware that there's a problem.
Where to report other noise problems
- Noise from large industrial sites like mines or ports: contact the NSW EPA on 131 555.
- Noise from pubs or clubs: contact Liquor and Gaming NSW.