Construction noise regulations & guidelines

Acceptable noise levels are monitored and set by the Environmental Protection Authority in Australia, and vary between areas. The amount of noise that is acceptable depends on the use of an area (residential will differ from industrial) the time of day and the type of noise. If you are planning some construction work, checking what is allowed when, is a vital part of the planning process. Be aware of your neighbours, though; sometimes it may be worth starting an hour later, even if the noise is allowed, to be considerate of your immediate neighbours' needs.

Construction noise restrictions

The restrictions which will be placed on your construction project can depend on the type of noise that you are making. The EPA guidelines take into account the level of noise (measured in decibels - dB), the type of noise, and the zoning of the area (probably residential if you are undertaking a home improvement). To give you an idea, a noise level of 110 to 120 dB, equivalent to a rock concert, is considered 'intolerable', 90dB - 100db is 'very loud', and busy traffic or a department store at 50dB - 80dB is considered 'noisy'.

Construction noise restrictions will depend on how loud the noise you are making is. A pneumatic drill, for example, comes into the 'intolerable' category, whereas a bit of hammering may be considered 'noisy'. Power tools are likely to be 'noisy' or
'very noisy'.

Construction noise guidelines

Construction noise and 'domestic noise' have their own categories under the EPA guidelines, and these will probably be most applicable to your project.

The domestic noise category states that noise from power tools in domestic or residential areas must only occur between 9am and 8pm on a Sunday, or between 8am and 8pm on any other day. There is also, however, a stipulation that noise should be kept to a minimum, and that its impact on your neighbours should be minimised as much as possible.

You may need to check with the EPA whether your project qualifies as 'construction noise', as this has tighter controls. Construction noise is not allowed on Sundays or public holidays, and on other days is only allowed to occur between 7am and 7pm.

Noise pollution: More info

To ensure that you are complying with the appropriate regulations check the EPA website www.epa.vic.gov.au (replace the 'vic' with your state's initials if you are not in Victoria).

When undertaking any construction project it is always wise to simply let your neighbours know before you begin, what you will be doing and when. Complying with the guidelines may keep you within the letter of the law, but maintaining good relations with your neighbours can be as easy as a little communication and compromise.