Sound is an integral part of everyday life. However, sounds that are unwanted, unpleasant, or disruptive, and that negatively affect health or amenity, are considered noise. The perception of noise is subjective, as individuals vary in their sensitivity to sound.
The City’s Environmental Health Officers are responsible for managing neighbourhood noise, investigating noise complaints, and taking appropriate action to prevent and reduce unreasonable noise. Investigations may involve conducting sound level measurements at the affected premises using a sound level meter.
Construction
Construction noise is allowed from 7.00am to 7.00pm, Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays).
In certain circumstances, construction work may be allowed outside the standard hours where a builder or resident can demonstrate that the work is reasonably necessary. In these cases, a noise management plan must be submitted to and approved by the City’s Environmental Health team. For further information please see Regulation 13 Construction Sites.
Please fill out the Regulation 13 Application Form and email it to health@nedlands.wa.gov.au, along with relevant supporting documents.
Parties and 'Gathering'
Noise from parties often exceeds permitted levels, but neighbours are generally more accepting of occasional events—especially when they’re notified in advance and the disturbance isn’t prolonged or excessive
If you are planning a party, you are encouraged to speak with your neighbours beforehand, as this can help reduce the likelihood of complaints. The City recommends providing the following information:
- Date of the party
- Contact phone number so the host can be notified if the music becomes too loud
- Reassurance that music will be turned off or reduced to a level that cannot be heard by neighbours after 10.00pm
The City’s officers do not respond to noisy parties after hours and do not manage behavioural issues associated with parties. Complaints of this nature should be directed to Western Australia Police on 131 444. Police have the authority to issue directions, require music to be turned off, confiscate equipment, and take other necessary actions to maintain order.
Musical Instrument
Musical instruments may be played between 7.00am and 7.00pm, Monday to Saturday, and between 9.00am and 7.00pm on Sundays and public holidays, for a maximum duration of one hour. Instruments must be played in a reasonable manner and must not unreasonably interfere with the health or amenity of neighbouring residents.
If you intend to play a musical instrument, it is recommended that you do so inside your home with windows and doors closed. This will help minimise noise impacts and reduce disturbance to neighbours.
Gardening and Power Tools (residential premises only)
Power tools and gardening equipment such as lawn mowers, whipper snippers, blower vacuums, chainsaws and hammers that make excessive noise, can be used for a maximum of two hours a day between 7.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Saturday, and 9.00am to 7.00pm Sundays and Public Holidays.
Air conditioners, pool pumps and other machinery noise
Noise from air-conditioners, pool pumps and other mechanical equipment must comply with the assigned levels as stipulated in the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. Legal action can be taken against the owner and installer of a non-compliant, noisy air conditioner.
With the reduction in housing block sizes and the consequent proximity of houses to each other, it is imperative that property owners and installers place air conditioners, pool pumps and other noisy machinery in the most suitable location.
The Installers Guide to Air Conditioner Noise provides information to installers and residents regarding various factors that influence noise received by a neighbour. It is strongly recommended for consideration prior to the installation of an air-conditioner.
Additional information and guidance to help you select and locate an appropriate air-conditioner is available at the City's Visual and Acoustic Privacy Guideline for Swimming Pool, Spas and Air-conditioners.
Security or Car Alarm Noise
The police can silence security and car alarms if the alarm is causing unreasonable noise and has persisted for at least 30 minutes.
Where the alarm system becomes an ongoing issue, an Environmental Health Officer may be able to assist.
Industrial and Commercial Noise
If you have a complaint about noise from commercial and industrial sites, contact our environmental health team unless the noise is coming from a premise that is licensed or registered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). To check if a premise is licensed by the DWER, use their search tool.
Noise from Pubs, Clubs and Licensed Premises
Noise from pubs, clubs, and other licensed premises must comply with the noise limits prescribed under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. Complaints regarding noise from licensed premises may be made to the City or to the Department of Local Government, Regulation and Safety
In many cases, the most effective way to address concerns about a neighbour is to speak with them directly and work together to resolve the issue. Neighbours are often unaware that their activities are causing a disturbance and raising the matter early can help them understand your concerns and be more considerate in the future.