The City of Armadale acknowledge the Traditional Owners and the Custodians of the land upon which we stand, work and play.
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Peoples of this land and their connection to the lands and the waters, as they are part of them spiritually and culturally.
We acknowledge their ancestors, the Elders past and present, who have led the way for us to follow.
Find out about permitted noise, how to make a noise complaint and investigations.
Noise
Noise is defined as unwanted sound. It can cause a disturbance and can affect the health and amenity of surrounding residents.
If you have a concern about noise in your neighbourhood, the City recommends you first approach your neighbour to explain how the noise is affecting you. Often your neighbours may not even realise that they are disturbing other residents. Negotiate with your neighbours and keep each other informed of any potentially noisy events such as parties.
The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 specify assigned noise levels that should not be exceeded. These levels vary depending on the time of day and the day of the week, and become strict after 7pm and stricter past 10pm. If you can hear noise from your property at your boundary line past 10pm the levels are almost certainly above the permitted levels and may be impacting your neighbour.
Restrictions
For certain activities, there are exemptions from the noise regulations if they are done in accordance with set conditions. Where noise is emitted outside of the assigned noise levels or not in accordance with these set conditions, it is deemed to be unreasonable.
The below table outlines some of these conditions:
Restriction
When
Why
Regulation
Musical Instrument Use
Up to one hour a day permitted between: 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday or 9am to 7pm Sunday & Public Holidays.
It is deemed reasonable that a resident can practice a musical instrument for up to an hour a day over the permitted dB levels.
Up to two hours a day permitted between: 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday or 9am to 7pm Sunday & Public Holidays.
It is deemed reasonable that a resident can use hand operated tools or equipment (hammers, drills, lawn mower, whipper snipper etc.) for a maximum two hours a day - when operated in an appropriate manner.
Anytime between: 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday (unless otherwise approved by the City).
Construction work is often required in residential areas and is deemed reasonable when carried out appropriately. See also: Building and construction site management for advice on
Vehicle noise (from a vehicle operating on a road) is exempt from the regulations, car stereos need to comply with the permitted levels, but the noise from the operation of the vehicle is exempt.
People noise (talking, yelling, crying baby etc.) is not investigated by the City under the relevant regulations.
Other
There are other exemptions related to emergency works, safety alarms, trains, safety beepers and approved concert or event noise.
Noise complaints and investigation
If you are unsuccessful in resolving the matter with your neighbour, you can lodge a formal complaint for the City's Health Services team to investigate. You will need to complete and return a Noise investigation request form including the noise log sheet. It is recommended that you complete the log sheet with as much detail as possible. This will ensure that the matter can be handled promptly.
