Bylaws at a Glance
Note: Refer to actual bylaws for more details.
Noise Control Bylaw NO. 6555
This Bylaw regulates noise or sound within the City of Vancouver.
- Construction on private property must be carried out between 7:30 am and 8 pm on any weekday that is not a holiday, and between 10 am to 8 pm on any Saturday that is not a holiday. Construction is not permitted on Sundays.
- Street construction must be carried out between 7 am and 8 pm on any weekday or Saturday, and between 10 am and 8 pm on any Sunday or holiday.
- The collection of refuse must only occur:
- outside the downtown area from 7 am to 8 pm on any weekday, or from 10 am to 8 pm on any Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.
- within the downtown area from 6 am to 12 midnight on any weekday, or from 10 am to 12 midnight on any Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.
- Vehicle-mounted carpet cleaning equipment must not be operated before noon or after 5 pm on a Sunday or a holiday.
- Leaf blowers must only be operated within 50 metres of any residential premises between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm on any weekday or between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm on any Saturday.
- The use of leaf blowers in the West End has been prohibited.
- Only "low noise" leaf blowers may be used in the city.
- Noise from household animals must not cause an unreasonable disturbance.
- Sounds from a radio, television, musical instrument or voice amplification equipment
must not cause an unreasonable disturbance.
Motor Vehicle Noise and Emission Abatement Bylaw NO. 9344
- Motor vehicles should not emit a loud, roaring or explosive sound.
- Amplified sound of a radio, television, player or other sound playback device or amplification equipment, or the sound of musical instrument that emanates from a motor vehicle should not be easily heard by someone outside the motor vehicle.
- Sound emitted from an automobile security system should not be made continuously for a period exceeding one minute, or for a total of three times in 24 hours.
- Engine brakes are not to be used except in an emergency situation.
Building Bylaw
The Vancouver Building Bylaw regulates the design and construction of buildings within the City of Vancouver. Homeowners should ensure that any renovations and/or alterations to their homes comply with the requirements of the Vancouver Building Bylaw. Copies of the Building Bylaw may be purchased from the Enquiry Centre on the second floor of the East Wing of City Hall. Copies are also available at the Vancouver Public Library.
Legal disclaimer
Although reasonable efforts have been made 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. Before acting, you should check currency and accuracy and you should obtain whatever legal or professional advice that may be necessary in the circumstances
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