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.

  • Noise can include, but is not limited to, yelling, shouting, loud music, horns, power tools and air conditioners.

What does the noise regulation mean for you?

  • No person shall cause or permit to be caused a continuous or non-continuous sound that exceeds 85 decibels (dBA) measured over a one (1) hour period during the day-time (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays and holidays) and night-time.
  • Continuous Sound in the Downtown
    26) No Person shall cause or permit to be caused a Continuous Sound that exceeds the following Sound Levels: (a) 75 decibels (dBA) Leq during the Day-time; or (b) 60 decibels (dBA) Leq during the Night-time; at any Point of Reception within the Downtown. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where the Ambient Sound Level for an area is at or above the maximum allowable Day-time or Night-time Sound Levels referred to in subsection (1), measured over a 15 minute period, a Sound Level must exceed 5 decibels (dBA) Leq over the Ambient Sound Level before it becomes an offence. (3) 
  • No person shall operate an outdoor speaker system on a parcel where a property line of the parcel is within 150 metres of a residential development during the period beginning at 10 p.m. and ending at 7 a.m. the following day except during the Calgary Stampede.

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.

  • 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 at major events

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

  • 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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