Residential Construction Noise - Introduction

Introduction

The Council has incorporated New Zealand Standards for noise control into the District Plan to control construction noise in residential areas. The Plan considers work noisy if it is loud enough to unreasonably disrupt anyone's peace, comfort or convenience.

Hours for Noisy Construction Work

All noisy work should - where possible - be timed to cause the least annoyance to people living and working close to the work site.

During the week, workers may be on-site from 6.30am to quietly prepare for work. Noisy construction work is not permitted on Sundays and public holidays.

If the work is outside these permitted hours, does not have an exemption, and is noisy, Council Noise Control officers can issue a Noise Direction Notice requiring the noisy activity to stop.

Consulting Neighbours

Consultation between contractors and neighbours before work begins is recommended as it lessens neighbours' uncertainty.

It helps both contractor and neighbours to have a contact person. This person - usually appointed by the contractor - informs neighbours of the likely type of noise and when to expect it. The contact person should also relay any concerns neighbours may have to the contractors.

Contractors are responsible for cooperating with Council staff over any excessive noise complaints resulting from their work.

Related Links

• Applying to do Construction Work Outside Standard Working Hours (58Kb PDF)
• Construction Noise and the Way it is Measured (52Kb PDF)
• Notification of Proposed Works (14Kb PDF)
• Ways to Control Noise from Construction Activities (167Kb PDF)
• Writing a Construction Noise Management Plan (57Kb PDF)

Department Details:
Noise Control (Planning)