Noise control
Noise is an inevitable part of living in a community. But with just a little consideration and communication, noise can be managed so we can all live together peacefully.
The Council is able to step in when noise being generated by some members of the community is excessive and causing a disturbance to others.
Excessive noise is any noise that is under human control and of such a nature as to unreasonably interfere with the peace, comfort and convenience of any person. Examples of excessive noise are noise from a loud party (people noise), stereos, band practices, burglar alarms or machinery.
There is no one set level for noise that is acceptable. The level of noise that is acceptable varies according to location of neighbours, time of day, zone you live/work in, presence of sound barriers and the type of noise. The same noise levels during the day may not be acceptable at night.
Being a good neighbour
If you're making noise for any reason, such as having a party, playing your stereo or using a skill-saw, please:
- be considerate of your neighbours
- ensure burglar alarms cut off after 15 minutes
- ensure car alarms are installed correctly, and are not over-sensitive or faulty
- inform neighbours in advance about a party, or invite your neighbours to it
- advise neighbours of planned work on your section that may be noisy
- minimise noise travelling from your property by keeping doors or windows closed
- reduce noise at a reasonable hour at night
- do not use noisy equipment such as chainsaws early in the morning or late in the evening.
Noise control
How noise is controlled
Under the Resource Management Act 1991, Council has the power to control excessive or unreasonable noise. Our Environmental Health Officers and Resource Consents Compliance Officers deal with noise issues, and also contract services to Armourguard. All these people are trained noise control officers under the Resource Management Act.
Noise from moving vehicles such as aircraft, boats and trains is not controlled by the excessive noise provisions.
Making a complaint
You can complain about excessive noise at any time of the day or night, but it's important to contact us when the noise is occurring so that a noise control officer can take action.
What happens when noise control is called
If a noise control officer is called out to investigate the noise they will determine if the noise is reasonable and within permissible levels.
- It may not be necessary to use monitoring equipment to determine if the noise is excessive.
- The noise may have ceased or subsided or be deemed not excessive by the officer.
- If the noise is deemed to be excessive, a noise control officer may give a verbal warning or serve a written direction to reduce the noise. This is in force for up to 72 hours.
- If the noise continues, recurs or increases you will need to re-advise Armourguard. A noise control officer will determine if any written direction has been breached. If so, the officer and the police will seize the equipment.
- If seizure is not possible a notice of Non-Compliance with Direction to Abate Excessive Noise is issued, and prosecution may result. Fines of up to $10,000 may apply.
Confidentiality
Noise complaints are confidential; the noise maker is not advised as to who has complained. Your details are only required by Council so we can monitor ongoing noise problems.
Ongoing problems
Further investigation or action may be needed to deal effectively with some noise sources, like noise from industrial or commercial sites. If the problem is of a technical nature, an environmental health officer may need to use noise monitoring equipment. In this case, time is required to fully investigate the noise and bring the issue to a conclusion.
If your equipment is seized
If your equipment is seized by a noise control officer, it'll be delivered to a secure lock-up hired by Council. The equipment will be returned to its owner if the Council is satisfied that it will not be used to create further noise problems.
- Telephone the Council to find out where to collect your goods and how much money is owed.
- You will need to pay for the cost of call-outs, storage and delivery, which will amount to over $200.00 (see seizure fines).
- Payment must be in cash or by EFTPOS; credit cards not accepted.
- When you collect your equipment please bring proof of identity and the original copy of the seizure notice.
What to do if you feel the complaints are unjust
Contact the Environmental Health Officer for your area, who will discuss the problem with you and investigate your allegation.
Construction noise
For Kāpiti to become a great place to work and live, demolition, construction and redevelopment work needs to occur. However, this type of activity needs to be controlled by Council to make sure any noise generated is at a reasonable level and occurs at a reasonable time.
Construction work includes the erection, installation, repair, maintenance and demolition of almost anything. It includes site preparation and earthmoving, and the use of any plant or tools.
Construction work in residential areas
If you are thinking of doing any noisy construction or demolition work in a residential area, you should note the following best practicable option practices to assist in good community relations:
- it's important for all personnel on construction sites to maintain good relations with residents, and to respect the rights of residents to live or work nearby without being subjected to unnecessary or excessive noise
- if possible, all noisy operations should be carried out when they would cause the least disturbance to residents. If this is unavoidable a responsible person should liaise between residents and the contractor, informing the public (e.g. by an advance flyer drop in the area) when to expect operations, as well as informing the contractor of any special needs members of the public may have
- reduce noise emitted from the site by minimising the volume from on-site radios and stereos.
Construction work and noise control
Under the Resource Management Act (1991), Kāpiti Coast District Council has the power to control excessive or unreasonable noise. The Council's Environmental Health Officers and Resource Consents Compliance Officers deal with noise issues, and also contract services to Armourguard. All these people are trained Noise Control Officers under the Resource Management Act.
If a Noise Control Officer is called out to investigate the noise from a construction site, they will determine if the noise is reasonable and within permissible levels, and if construction work is occurring at the permitted times. It may not be necessary to use monitoring equipment to determine whether the noise is excessive.
If the noise is deemed to be excessive a Noise Control Officer may serve a written direction to reduce noise. This is in force for up to 72 hours. Failure to obey the notice can result in equipment seizure or a fine of up to $10,000.
Permissible noise levels and times
The table below shows permitted noise levels from construction work within residential areas:
|
Day |
Time |
Maximum Noise Level (LEQ) |
Activity |
|
Monday–Friday |
6.30am–7.30am |
60 dBA |
Low level noise activities permitted (arrival, preparation for work). |
|
Monday–Friday |
7.30am–6.00pm |
75 dBA |
Noisy construction work is permitted, but should be kept to reasonable levels |
|
Monday–Friday |
6.00pm–8.00pm |
70 dBA |
Construction work can continue but at a reduced level (avoid the use of noisy equipment and heavy machinery) |
|
Saturday |
7.30am–6.00pm |
75 dBA |
Noisy construction work is permitted, but should be kept to reasonable levels |
| Sunday/Public Holidays |
Noisy construction is not permitted |
Noisy construction is not permitted |
Noisy construction is not permitted |
The specific noise limits are contained in NZS 6803:1999 Acoustics – Construction Noise
Contractors should check their Resource Consent for any extra conditions such as restrictions on hours of operation.
The following are examples of noise levels measured in decibels (dBA):
- 140 dBA Pneumatic Rock Breaker
- 120 dBA Compactor
- 110 dBA Fork Lift Truck
- 105 dBA 20 tonne Dump Truck
- 95 dBA Oxyacetylene welder
- 80 dBA Electric Drill (1 metre)
- 75 dBA Loud Radio
- 60 dBA Department Store.
Emergency construction work
Council may grant permission for construction work to occur outside these times or levels if emergency works are necessary, or work cannot be completed during normal working hours because of public safety or traffic hazards.
If you have special permission to work outside the permitted hours it is advisable to notify residents who may be affected by noise about the times and days of operation, and give them an onsite contact telephone number.
Dogs
All dogs bark at one time or another. They may bark when happy, or to warn their owner of a visitor, or when people or other animal walk closely by their property, as they are territorial and like to let their owners know someone is near.
Dogs can also bark when they're bored, hungry for food and water, or haven't had adequate exercise.
If you're experiencing a barking dog that is persistently and continuously barking for long periods of time, report to Council. You'll need to include a date, time and duration.