Noise & Quiet Enjoyment

The City of Toronto Noise By-law (Chapter 591) regulates sound to ensure community comfort, restricting noisy activities like construction, power devices, and amplified sound during specific hours. Key rules include prohibited power device use (like leaf blowers/mowers) from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. (9 a.m. weekends) and strict sound limits on amplified music after 11 p.m.
Key Aspects of the Noise By-law
  • Power Devices (Leaf Blowers, Mowers, Chainsaws): Prohibited Monday-Friday from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day, and Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m..
  • Amplified Sound & Music: Indoor sound limits are set based on decibels (\(dB(A)\)) to prevent noise from being too loud at a "point of reception" (e.g., inside a neighbor’s house).
  • Construction Noise: Permitted only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays. No construction noise is allowed on Sundays or statutory holidays.
  • Unreasonable and Persistent Noise: Noise that disturbs peace/enjoyment, such as shouting, honking, or musical instruments, is prohibited if it is both unreasonable and lasts for a significant time (or is repetitive).
  • Exemptions: Emergencies, city work, public transit, and specific waste collection or deliveries are often exempt.
Reporting Noise Complaints
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