FAQs
Construction activity
Industrial activity
Late-night hospitality and entertainment
Events
Private waste collection
Power equipment
What is the Noise Bylaw?
The Noise Bylaw sets standards to limit excessive noise in the City of Victoria. It helps ensure that noise from activities such as construction, industry, hospitality, events and private waste collection does not negatively affect residents’ quality of life.
What is the purpose of the Noise Bylaw Review?
The goal is to create noise regulations that are easier to understand, follow and enforce.
Why is the City updating the Noise Bylaw now?
It was last updated in 2003. In 2021, Council directed staff to do further analysis of the most common noise related complaints and bring forward amendments to the Noise Bylaw to address those issues.
What topics are being reviewed?
The City is reviewing noise regulations related to:
Are there some noises that the City can’t control?
Yes. Some noises - such as seaplanes, helicopters, emergency vehicles and cruise ships - fall outside the City’s authority and are regulated by other agencies.
How does this work relate to other City plans?
The Noise Bylaw review supports several broader City objectives, including the Official Community Plan, the Industry, Arts and Innovation Plan and the Victoria Music Strategy.
Modernizing the bylaw helps ensure that noise regulations align with the city’s long-term planning, economic development and cultural goals.
Who can participate in the engagement process?
All residents and businesses in Victoria are invited to participate through two separate surveys. Targeted engagement will also include construction, industry, hospitality, entertainment and private waste collection sectors.
What happens after this engagement?
Feedback will be summarized and presented to Council, along with options for updating the Noise Bylaw.