Noise at major events

Major events exceeding permissible noise levels according to Community Standards Bylaw 32M2023 must apply for a noise exemption permit.

A "Major Event" refers to outdoor gatherings like concerts, festivals, sports events, performances, attractions, revivals, or similar occasions where either a minimum of 5,000 tickets are available for purchase or where 5,000 or more individuals can be accommodated without admission fees.

When you apply for a noise exemption permit for your major event, please keep the following in mind:

  • The Chief Bylaw Officer may instruct the applicant to give public notice of the application through methods such as posting, media advertising, or direct notification, as determined by the Chief Bylaw Officer. Once a decision has been made regarding an application, the Chief Bylaw Officer will promptly inform all parties who have requested notification of the decision. Approval of a Major Event application under Section 36 can be contested by an affected individual within 14 days of the approval date by appealing to the Community Standards Appeal Board. If no appeal is filed within 14 days of the date of approval, the temporary permit may be issued.
  • Any rejection of an application under Section 36 for a Major Event may be appealed by the applicant to the Community Standards Appeal Board within 14 days of the date of the rejection decision.
  • An appeal to the Community Standards Appeal Board under this Section shall be filed in the same manner as an appeal of a Remedial Order as set out in Section 4 of the Community Standards Bylaw.
  • If an appeal is filed under this Section, the Community Standards Appeal Board shall hear the application within 30 days, or at their next meeting, whichever is sooner.
  • The Community Standards Appeal Board may determine its procedure for a hearing under this Section, and may reverse, vacate, confirm or vary the approval or conditions thereof made by the Chief Bylaw Officer, and its decision is final.

Noise during the Calgary Stampede

During the period of the Calgary Stampede, the activities of The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Ltd. are exempt from the noise restrictions outlined under the Community Standards Bylaw.

During the Stampede period, you may not operate an outdoor speaker system within 150 metres of a residential development between midnight and 7 a.m., Monday through Sunday. Please view the non-residential page for more details.

Filing a complaint

If you know of a noise bylaw infraction and would like to report it, please call 311 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary), use the 311 app or online below.

File a non-animal noise complaint
File an animal noise complaint

If the noise is caused by a criminal activity, call the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 or if it is related to an emergency, dial 911.

To help us respond faster, please be ready with the following information:

  • Your name and address.
  • A primary and alternate phone number.
  • The address and exact location of the property for which you wish to register a complaint.
  • A brief and concise description of the complaint.

This information will remain confidential. No anonymous complaints will be accepted - you must identify yourself with the 311 service representative.

Learn more about filing a bylaw complaint and the process

Related topics

  • Animal noise

    Animal Owners must supervise their pets when outside so they do not cause a nuisance by their behaviour, including barking. This is covered under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.

  • Noise on residential properties

    Citizens have the right not to be disturbed by noise and have the responsibility to not make noise that disturbs others.

  • Noise in non-residential developments

    In Calgary, citizens have the right to not be disturbed by noise and have the responsibility to not make noise that disturbs others.

  • Traffic or vehicle noise

    Any vehicle in motion emitting noise measured at 96 decibels or more by a sound pressure level meter is “objectionable noise” and is in contravention of the Traffic Bylaw.

  • Noise exempt permit

    A noise exemption permit is a short-term permit that lets you break the rules of the Community Standards Bylaw when it comes to making noise. You can use it from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Sundays and holidays.

  • Noise complaints - FAQ

    Here you will find a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about noise complaints:

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