Noise Control

SoundSmart

In 2005, SoundSmart was developed by Engineering Department as a project to provide noise information and to bring awareness of noise concerns to the public. Although reasonable efforts have been made during the development of SoundSmart to check the currency and accuracy of the content, the City of Vancouver cannot and does not accept responsibility for errors. The information provided herein is a general description only and does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon.

Since April, 2008, Property Use Inspections Division, Licenses and Inspections have taken over the administration of the Noise Control By-law No. 6555 (3.58mb) from Vancouver Coastal Health. SoundSmart is currently used and referred to as reference material by Property Use Inspectors.

Property Use Inspections Division is committed to promote and maintain a safe, healthy and harmonious environment for the citizens of Vancouver. Our Property Use Inspectors are actively educating and seeking compliance on noise concerns from property owners, tenants, business operators and citizens of Vancouver. To contact us, please call our Noise Line at 3-1-1 or email us at Noise@vancouver.ca.

It is well-recognized globally that repeated and lengthy exposure to high-level noise is a public health hazard and a growing environmental concern. Here in Vancouver, we have noise regulations in place but in order to combat a growing concern that is universal, it needs the understanding and efforts of every individual of our society. There are ways and means for us to contribute in eliminating noise.

For the purposes of information, please refer to SoundSmart on the following topics:

• Sounds in the City
• What is ‘Sound and Noise’?
• Choosing a Suitable Living Situation
• Exterior Design Factors for Noise Consideration
• Interior Design Factors for Noise Consideration
• What are some individual simple solutions?
• Protecting Yourself against Noise
• Sound Myths & Bytes
• Related Links
• Bylaws at a Glance

For more detailed information on a resident’s guide to ‘sound living’, please download a copy of the SoundSmart Brochure, SoundSmart Booklet or Noise Control Manual found on the homepage of SoundSmart.

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