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Information on temporary permits that allow a permit holder to exceed the noise limits of the Community Standards Bylaw.
A noise exemption permit is a temporary permit that allows for exemptions to the Community Standards Bylaw 14600 . Applicants must be able to explain the type of noise to be expected and justify their reasons for exceeding noise limits. While this permit allows for a reasonable increase in noise based on a specific activity, permits may be revoked at any time.
Private functions such as wedding receptions, birthday parties and family gatherings do not qualify for an exemption and will not be granted a permit.
Any person or group planning an activity or event should apply for a noise exemption permit if it is expected to exceed the permitted noise levels in Community Standards Bylaw 14600.
While each application is reviewed case by case, permits are generally only approved for required activities, such as major construction projects or maintenance work, and events benefiting the community, such as music festivals, sports events and community celebrations.
When applying for a permit, you are required to provide:
In order to provide adequate processing time, it is recommended that noise exemption permit applications are submitted at least 7 days prior and no more than 30 days prior to the start of the activity. Once the application is approved, a permit will be sent electronically through email to the applicant. If it is denied, an email will be sent, explaining the reasons for the denial.
There is no fee to obtain a noise exemption permit.
Request a waiver to the Noise Bylaw.
Applicants must provide the noise mitigation strategies to be used to reduce the impact to the area residents. Failure to provide sufficient measures may result in a permit application being denied.
Noise mitigation strategies are any measures used to reduce the impact of noise to the surrounding community. Examples include:
The City of Edmonton can revoke a noise exemption permit if the applicant has not taken sufficient measures to minimize the noise or has not adhered to the conditions and activities specified on the permit. Reasons a noise exemption permit may be revoked include, but are not limited to:
Bylaw fines may be issued should a permit holder not adhere to the conditions and activities specified on the permit.
Noise exemption permits are approved only for the time needed to complete the activity. The maximum length of a noise exemption permit is 90 days, which is usually reserved for larger construction or maintenance projects. Should additional time be required, the permit holder will be required to apply for a new permit.
While the noise exemption permit does allow permit holders to exceed the noise limits of the Community Standards Bylaw, all permit holders are expected to be mindful of neighbouring communities and apply reasonable sound mitigation strategies. Failure to do so may result in the permit being revoked and bylaw fines issued. The specified penalty amounts for contravening the bylaw range from $250 - $500.
All personal information requested or required is collected under the authority of section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Alberta) (FOIP Act) for the purpose of responding to your complaint and enforcing municipal bylaws. This information will be collected, used and disclosed in accordance with the FOIP Act. In particular, personal information submitted through 311, the 311 app, or the online complaint form will be disclosed to appropriate business areas within the City so they may respond to your complaint. In addition, if the complaint leads to bylaw enforcement, your personal information may be required to be disclosed as part of the court proceeding. For more information on how the City protects your privacy visit Freedom of Information and Privacy.