Noise Exemptions

Applications for Noise Exemptions under By-law 19-2002

Exemptions to Noise By-law 19-2002 are permitted under Section 3.1 of the by-law. The most comment requests for exemptions to the Noise By-law involve road construction and events with amplified noise.

The first step when deciding to apply for a Noise By-law exemption is to contact the Clerk's Office to choose a date when Council will hear your request. The Noise By-law states that requests for exemptions to the by-law must be submitted a minimum of 21 days before the Council meeting, however, we recommend you submit your request to the Clerk at least 3 months before the date of your event to allow for time for unforeseen delays.

The next step is to submit a written letter explaining details of your request. You must submit to the Clerk a written outline of the details of the request that details why and when the exemption is needed. Include information such as:

Name of organization
Name of person(s) organizing the event and their contact information
Date and Location of event
Specific Time(s) of event i.e. from 12 Noon to 1 a.m.
Source of noise and whether or not noise will be amplified
Steps you have taken or intend to take to reduce impacts on surrounding properties
You will also need to submit a site planthat shows the location of any outdoor amplifiers in relation to neighbouring properties, parking areas and all buildings on the property.

The Clerk forwards the request to the Enforcement Division for processing and a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer contacts you. It is important that the Township has all information about the event so be prepared for many questions. For example, you will be asked about parking and security provisions. You will be asked to provide notice to abutting property owners, Waterloo Regional Police and Ambulance Services of the event. If alcohol is to be served, there will also be licence requirements of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission to be met. You may even be required to have the Township's Building Department and Fire Department inspect the property buildings to ensure they can accommodate the event. The Township also places notices of the request in the local newspapers to warn residents. As you can see, there are many opportunities for delays so it is best to submit the written request to the Clerk as early as possible in the process.

The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer submits an information report to Council and Council makes its decision. Both you and the Officer must attend the Council meeting to answer questions. Council will consider the request and may grant the request, grant an alternate request, or refuse the grant the request. Council may put conditions on approval such as that the speakers face downwards and away from nearby settlements, or that the noise be turned down at 11:00 p.m. If Council grants an exemption and the organization fails to adhere to conditions of approval, it is unlikely that Council would grant permission for exemptions in future years.