Noise on residential properties

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

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

Under the bylaws, the following cannot be used at night in a residential development:

  • hand lawn mower;
  • motorized garden tool;
  • power tool outside of any building or structure;
  • model aircraft driven by an internal combustion engine of any kind;
  • snow clearing device powered by an engine of any kind except during the 48 hour period following a snowfall, rain or freezing rain;
  • an outdoor speaker system within 150 metres of a residential development except during the Calgary Stampede

These activities are allowed during the "daytime," meaning:

  • Between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday; or
  • Between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Sundays and holidays.

Under the bylaws, you cannot cause (or permit to be caused) a continuous sound that exceeds:

  • 65 decibels (dBA) measured over a one (1) hour period during the day-time; or
  • 50 decibels (dBA) measured over a one (1) hour period during the night-time;
  • 85 decibels (dBC) for bass noise for outdoor concerts

Under the bylaws, you cannot cause (or permit to be caused) a non-continuous sound that exceeds:

  • 85 decibels (dBA) measured over 15 minutes during the day-time; or
  • 75 decibels (dBA) measured over 15 minutes during the night-time;

Fines for violations of these regulations range between $250 to $500.

Related bylaws

The City of Calgary regulates noise through the Community Standards Bylaw 23M2023 part 9. This is an overview of these regulations. Please refer to the actual bylaw for more detailed information. Original copies of bylaws are available at the City Clerk's office.

Eligible applicants may apply for a Noise Exemption Permit.

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 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 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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