The City’s goal is to support festivals, businesses and vibrant communities while helping reduce impacts on nearby residents.

A noise exemption permit is a temporary approval that lets certain activities or events make noise during restricted hours under the Community Standards Bylaw 32M2023. A permit may allow noise between:

• 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays
• 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Sundays and holidays

You may need a noise exemption permit if your activity or event could be louder than the limits in the Community Standards Bylaw and happens late at night or early in the morning. Examples include:

Noise limits depend on the type of area, the time of day and whether the noise is continuous. In residential areas, daytime hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. For full details, see the  Community Standards Bylaw 32M202.

• Overnight construction work
• Film or television productions
• Public events that need extended hours
• Outdoor speakers for an approved event
• Activities outside normal daytime hours

The City does not issue noise exemption permits for private residential events. Backyard barbecues, birthday parties, house parties and wedding receptions must follow the regular noise rules.

Any person, business, organization or event organizer can apply for a noise exemption permit for an eligible activity or event. Not all applications are approved, and private social gatherings are not eligible.

If a permit is approved, it will include conditions the event organizer or site supervisor must follow. Conditions may include:

• The dates and times the permit is valid, including the exact stop time
• The activity that is approved
• Any decibel limits that must be followed
• Steps to reduce noise impacts and notify nearby neighbours, if required

Apply at least 7 days before your event or activity. You can apply up to 30 days before the start date. Call 311 to apply.

Applications received less than 7 days before the start date may not be processed in time.

There is no fee to obtain a noise exemption permit.

A permit can be issued for up to 14 days.

If your application is approved, you will receive the permit by email or mail. If your application is denied, The City will contact you by phone, letter or email to explain why.

For events with 5,000 or more attendees, you may need to notify nearby residents or the public before The City makes a decision. The City will tell you what type of notification is required.

The City’s Event Services team is the main contact for public festivals and events that may need City permits or approvals, including events on City-managed land. Event Services helps organizers understand the process and coordinates with City teams and partner agencies when needed. If your event may need a noise exemption permit, include it in your event planning and submit the permit application for review.

For questions about large events or events on City property, contact 311 and submit an information request. City staff will send your request to the right team.

Yes. The City may cancel or revoke a permit if you do not take reasonable steps to reduce noise impacts or do not follow the permit conditions.

Yes. A permit does not exempt you from following the permit conditions. If you do not follow the conditions, The City may cancel or revoke the permit and may take enforcement action.

Noise-related fines and permit violations are set out in the Community Standards Bylaw. Check the bylaw for current fine amounts.

You'll need:

• The address where the activity or event will take place.
• The start and end dates and times.
• A description of the activity or event.
• The building permit number, if the activity is construction-related.
• Information about the source of the noise (for example, loudspeakers or equipment).
• Details about how you will reduce noise impacts on nearby residents and businesses.
• A contact name and phone number.
• The name and address of the business or organization (if applicable).
• An email address where the permit can be sent.