What noise is reasonable?
Council investigates complaints of unreasonable noise
Moreland is a vibrant and diverse city with mixed land uses.
As such some noise is expected and needs to be accepted. However, excessive and unreasonable noise should not be suffered.
A noise being ‘reasonable’ or ‘unreasonable’ depends on circumstances these can include:
- the day – a weekday or on the weekend
- the time
- how loud the noise is
- duration of the noise
- the source and type of noise, and
- where the noise can be heard. For example, inside a bedroom with a window open.
Noise from adjacent homes or units
Some noises that you can hear inside a habitable room, such as a bedroom, are automatically unreasonable at certain times and days from adjacent residential properties. The EPA Victoria website has a list of prohibited times for residential noise.
Noise from commercial and industrial premises
For a complaint about noise from fixed plant and equipment at commercial and industrial premises, contact the Environment Protection Authority.
Noise from intruder alarms
Under the Moreland City Council General Local Law 2007, an intruder alarm must not be heard beyond the property boundary ten minutes after it starts. It must not be reactivated without being manually reset. Make sure any alarms you install meet this requirement.
Noise from entertainment venues
Loud music from entertainment venues can be a problem, especially late at night.
State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Music Noise from Public Premises) No. N-2 sets noise limit requirements for noise from entertainment venues.
Compliance with this policy is usually included as a condition in venues' liquor licences and/or planning permits.
The policy aims to protect residents from levels of music noise that may affect the beneficial uses of noise sensitive areas, while recognising the community demand for a wide range of musical entertainment.
Following a report, police have the power under section 48AB of the Environment Protection Act 1970 to instruct a venue to abate any entertainment noise after midnight. These directions stay in force until 8am.
Noise from animals
Vist the noisy animals and barking dogs page for further details.
Report noise
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Make an online customer request.
Step-by-step instructions help you through the process. In the first screen tell us where the problem is. Then give us details about the issue. Track the status of your request online too. - Contact Council
