Noise Control

Mechanical Equipment

This category is focused on mechanical equipment such as exhaust fans, air conditioning units and other similar equipment installed on the exterior of buildings, e.g., walls and roofs, or in exterior yards on privately-owned properties.

Heating systems can be major sources of sound especially with some new high-efficiency heating systems where they can have very loud exhaust vents causing continuous noise that disturb the quiet and peace of neighbours. Exterior air conditioning systems and heat pump units have fans and compressors that may be loud and offensive. Therefore the location of these devices should be well thought out and considered before installation to prevent possible contravention of the Noise Control By-law. For further information, view the mechanical equipment info sheet (23kb).

Besides noise regulations, the Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575 regulates the location of exterior mechanical equipment and a Development Permit may be required. A Building and Electrical Permit may also be required. For further information, please contact Development Services at 604.873.7613/7611 or email: csg.enquiry.centre@vancouver.ca

A piece of existing effective equipment may gradually become the cause of loud noise. Some common causes for noisy equipment are due to the age of the equipment and poor or negligible maintenance. Therefore, mechanical equipment needs to be regularly maintained for them to work efficiently and quietly.

The following table list the maximum noise levels in decibels, allowable in the day time and night time.

Daytime Hours Weekdays & Saturday (7 am – 10 pm) Sunday or Holiday (10 am – 10 pm)
Zone of Sound Source	Zone of Receiving Property - Point of Reception
	Quiet	Intermediate	Active
Quiet	55	60	60
Intermediate	60	70	70
Active	60	70	70
Night time Hours Weekdays & Saturday (10 pm – 7 am) Sunday or Holiday (10 pm – 10 am)
Zone of Sound Source	Zone of Receiving Property – Point of Reception
	Quiet	Intermediate	Active
Quiet	45	55	55
Intermediate	50	65	65
Active	55	65	65

 

• How to file a complaint
• View by-law regulations (3.13mb)

Noise Hotline: 3-1-1
Noise e-mail: Noise @vancouver.ca

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