Residential noise

Being respectful of those who live or work around us means being aware of how our actions affect others.

Acceptable noise levels

Depending on where you live, there are acceptable noise levels allocated to that zone, called noise standards.

Living in busy areas

If you’re considering moving to a mixed-use area like the city or a town centre, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the area.

Visit on different days and times. Decide if the noise and general activity in the area is compatible with your lifestyle.

Make note of:

clubs, hotels and bars: music volumes, patrons entering and leaving, and late-night activity.
roads, carparks, and footpaths: idling engines, slamming car doors, and foot traffic.
public transport: buses arriving and passengers waiting at stops.
loading zones, laneways and waste removal: reversing vehicles, idling engines and skip emptying is often done early in the morning or late at night.
fans, vents and generators: machinery used by some buildings and businesses can be quite noisy and may always be on.
construction and demolition: if the area is undergoing a lot of transformation, you can expect the sounds of equipment, vehicles and workers on site, especially early in the morning.

Noise from units or townhouses

If you live in a unit or townhouse, noise limits are stricter than for standalone homes.

Learn more about noise standards for units and townhouses.

Exempt noise

Government-managed activities like garbage collection, grass mowing and street sweeping happen on a schedule and have exemptions to the noise standards.

Check:

the noise standards
the City Services website for which days are scheduled for your suburb.

Neighbourhood noise

What may be an acceptable level of noise to your neighbour, may not be acceptable to you. Often people aren’t aware they’re creating noise, or that it’s at a level of concern to others.

Examples include amplified noise like music through speakers or noisy air conditioning units.

Air conditioning and heat pump noise

Noise from heating and cooling equipment can disturb your neighbours, disrupt their sleep and interfere with their normal daily activities.

Before installing these appliances, check:

the location will not disturb your neighbours
the noise will comply with the ACT noise limits.

Preventing noise

Consider the building materials and furnishings that can help to reduce noise coming into and leaving your home.

Window shutters, heavy drapes, double glazing and wall insulation can reduce noise.

Carpeting and rugs can reduce footfall noise for your downstairs neighbours. Soft furnishings can dampen noise between shared walls.

Hedges and some fencing options can reduce noise from traffic and neighbouring houses.

Parties and loud music

If you’re playing music, be considerate of:

whether windows and doors are open
the direction speakers are facing
the bass volume as this can be heard much further away
the content of the lyrics.

If you’re planning a party:

let your neighbours know at least 10 days in advance. If you don’t hold parties often, most people will be understanding of a one-off noisy evening
bring music and guests inside after 10 pm
ask guests departing to leave quietly and avoid slamming car doors.

Tell Access Canberra you’re having a party

If you let Access Canberra know you’re having a party, it makes it easier for us to manage any noise complaints we receive.

The Party Hosting Notification form also gives you a pre-populated letter that you can use to let your neighbours know.

Tell Access Canberra about your party

Barking dogs and crowing roosters

The ACT is a pet-friendly place, and many people have pets including dogs and chickens.

Barking dogs and crowing roosters can become a nuisance to your neighbours.

Access Canberra does not manage complaints about animal noise.

Visit the City Services website to read about:

Managing noise

Industry and business have obligations when it comes to noise from their activity or their customers.

Read about business and workplace noise.

Noise complaints

If you create noise above acceptable levels, people may complain.

Read about noise complaints.