Noise Exemptions

Noise Exemptions FAQ

• Do I Need an Exemption?

  Exemptions are intended for large special events and gatherings. Common examples include backyard weddings, large family reunions, or outdoor gatherings with live bands and music. Exemptions are generally not required for ordinary social gatherings at private residences (e.g. backyard barbecues, children's birthday parties, etc.).

  If you feel that your event may cause a disturbance in your neighbourhood, you may wish to apply for an exemption to the Noise By-law. The Clerks Department will provide you with a template notification letter to distribute in your neighbourhood to advise the event in advance. 

  Should there be a noise complaint arising from your event, By-law Enforcement Services or York Regional Police may attend and will confirm if there is an exemption on record. Without an exemption, your event may be shut down.

  In all cases, please be mindful of your neighbours and respectful of the community - excessive noise can harm the enjoyment of properties and damage relations with your neighbours.

• Applying for an Exemption

  The following conditions must be met for noise exemption applications to be considered:

  • A completed Noise Exemption Applicati​on Form​ is to be submitted to the Clerks Department a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the proposed event or activity
  • No more than three (3) exemptions shall be approved by the Clerk for an individual property in a calendar year (each exemption is limited to one calendar day)
  • Exemptions shall not be authorized beyond 1:00 AM (unless for necessary overnight construction activity)
  • Upon approval, you must serve notice of the approved exemption to nearby affected properties in advance of the event (a template notification letter will be provided)
• Exemptions for Construction Activities

  The Clerk's Division may issue noise exemptions to facilitate construction activity if the work requires evening and over-night hours to complete. Notice of any service disruptions as a result of approved after-hours construction shall be posted to the Township's website under Service Alerts.

  It is recommended that applicants contact the Clerks Division at clerks@king.ca or 905-833-5321 before applying for a noise exemption to facilitate after-hours construction. Depending on the nature of the request, the Clerk may elect to bring forward such requests to Council for consideration.

• Exemptions to be Considered by Council

  Exemptions may be considered by Council under the following circumstances:

  • If you have requested exemptions in excess of the limit of three (3) per calendar year; or
  • The Clerk deems it appropriate to have Council consider the request in a public setting.

  If your request for exemption is to be heard by Council, public notice shall be posted on the Township's website and in the local paper indicating the date, time and location that the request is to be heard. The Clerk shall maintain a list of interested parties who will be notified of any exemptions that are to come before Council for consideration. To be placed on the interested parties list for all noise exemptions to be heard by Council, please contact the Clerks Department at 905-833-5321 or clerks@king.ca.

• How Do I Report a Noise Issue?

  Noise complaints can be filed online 24/7. During regular business hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday) you can alternatively contact By-law Enforcement Services at 905-833-4002 or by-law@king.ca. Outside of regular business hours, file a complaint online, leave a message, or send an email for By-law staff and they will respond to your concern as soon as possible. 

  If it is an urgent matter that requires immediate attention, please contact York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423. York Regional Police are authorized to enforce the Township's Noise By-law when necessary and will respond when available.