Acceptable noise levels
Noise can disrupt sleep and interfere with daily activities. If loud enough, it can also have a detrimental impact on people's health.
Guide to decibel levels
Some noise regulations include a maximum loudness in decibels. Here are usual decibel levels for everyday situations:
quiet room in the house - 20 to 30 decibels
daytime in a quiet residential street - 35 to 45 decibels
large busy office - 50 to 60 decibels
lawn mower from 15 metres away - 70 decibels
How to lodge a complaint
People are sometimes unaware that their activities are causing a nuisance. Brisbane City Council encourages all residents and business operators to talk to their neighbours about nuisance problems before making a complaint.
Council's complaint process
Council writes to all involved parties about the issue and provides copies of relevant fact sheets.
The parties are encouraged to discuss the problem and seek a possible solution.
If the resident or business operator takes no action to solve the problem, and a second complaint is made, a notice is normally issued to warn them about the potential fine for causing the nuisance.
If the resident still takes no action, a fine may be issued.
Council Officers may issue on-the-spot fines after they investigate complaints. In the case of noise complaints, they may conduct noise monitoring from the complainant's premises.
Complaints not handled by Council
Council does not deal with common complaints including noise from:
music, loud stereos, parties, rowdy behaviour and burglar alarms. Phone the Queensland Police on 07 3364 6464
premises with a liquor licence. Phone the Department of Tourism and Racing's Liquor Licensing Division on 07 3224 7196
state government properties or activities that are regulated by the state government. Phone the Department of Environment and Resource Management on 1300 130 372
the Brisbane River eg. powerboats. Phone Brisbane River Management on 07 3403 4206
noisy vehicles and trail bikes. Phone the Queensland Police on 07 3364 6464 (for off-road vehicles) or the Department of Transport on 13 23 80 (for on-road vehicles)
native animals and birds, such as crows. Phone Department of Environment and Resource Management on 1300 130 372
Lodging a complaint
To make a complaint to Council about a nuisance issue, include your:
name, address and phone number - this information is kept confidential
nuisance description - the date, time and source address
To make a complaint, contact Council.
Building work noise
This information applies to builders and contractors working on building sites.
Noise limits
If noise from building work can be heard at a premises at the following times, the person carrying out the building work may be issued with a fine.
Permitted building work noise levels. Time Day Noise limit
6.30pm to 6.30am
Monday to Saturday
No noise allowed
Any time
Sunday or public holiday
No noise allowed
In some circumstances, activities and equipment operating within the prescribed levels and times may still be deemed a nuisance when assessed against certain noise criteria. In this situation the responsible person may be issued a Direction Notice.
Exemptions
If a development condition is inconsistent with a noise level detailed in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 the person/company must comply with the development condition. In some cases you may need to comply with requirements imposed by the development condition and the noise levels detailed in the table above.
The noise limits detailed above do not apply if Council has issued an approval for specific equipment or activities under a local law and conditions regarding noise have been placed on the approval.
Air conditioning noise
If noise from an air conditioner exceeds the following levels when measured at a neighbour's premises, the owner or operator may be issued with an on-the-spot fine.
Permitted air conditioning noise levels Time Day Noise limit
7am to 10pm
Every day
Noise no louder than five decibels (A) above background noise
10pm to 7am
Every day
No more than three decibels (A) above background noise
In some circumstances, activities and equipment operating within the prescribed levels and times may still be deemed a nuisance when assessed against certain noise criteria. In this situation the responsible person may be issued a Direction Notice.
ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE DIARY
It may be helpful to keep a record of the noise problem over a two week period. Attached is a diary to be completed and forwarded to the Council Environmental Team
