How we assess noise complaints
When our noise control staff investigate a complaint, they check whether the noise is excessive.
Excessive noise is noise that is under someone's control and unreasonably interferes with another person's peace, comfort or convenience.
We consider:
how loud the noise is
the time of day
how often the noise happens
the type and tone of the noise.
There is no single noise level that applies to every situation. For example, noise that is reasonable during the day may be excessive at night. Our staff use these factors to decide whether the noise needs to be reduced.
Types of noise we investigate
We investigate complaints about noise such as:
loud music, parties and band practices
security alarms
machinery noise.
Noise from moving vehicles, barking dogs and workplaces is not covered by the excessive noise provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991.
Different requirements may apply to other noise sources, including construction work and airport activities.
What happens if the noise is excessive
If we find that the noise is excessive, our noise control officer will tell the person responsible to reduce it straight away.
We may also issue a written notice called a Direction to Abate Excessive Noise.
This notice stays in effect for 8 days.
What happens if the noise continues
If someone reports excessive noise again within those 8 days, we may take further action with help from the Police.
We can:
remove or seize the equipment making the noise
remove working parts from the equipment
lock or seal the equipment so it cannot be used
take other steps needed to reduce the noise
issue a notice for not following the direction and charge an infringement fee.
You can find out more about infringement fees for excessive noise.
We keep noise complaints confidential
When you report excessive noise, we don't tell the person making the noise who made the complaint.
We ask for your contact details so we can track ongoing noise problems and follow up when needed.
How we deal with ongoing noise problems
Some noise problems need more investigation, especially noise from businesses, factories or industrial sites.
If the noise is difficult to assess, our environmental health staff may use special equipment to measure it.
These investigations can take longer because we need to understand the problem before deciding what action to take.
If the noise happens again, you can make another noise complaint. Phone us while the noise is happening so our staff can assess it.
You may be asked to call back after 20 minutes to confirm the noise is still happening. This helps us respond to ongoing noise problems.
How to get seized noise equipment back
If we seize your equipment because of excessive noise, we'll take it to a secure storage facility.
We can return your equipment when we're satisfied it won't be used to cause further noise problems.
Call us to find out where to collect your goods and how much money is owed.
Pay the costs of staff callouts, storage and delivery. Check our seizure fines for details.
Pay by cash or EFTPOS. We don't accept credit cards.
Bring proof of identity and your original seizure notice when you collect your equipment.
How to raise a concern about a noise complaint
If you have issues about a complaint, contact one of our environmental health officers to discuss the problem. They will investigate your allegation.