Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Toggle search box search Open main navigation menu Menu Close menu

Noise

Local noise nuisance can originate from a number of different residential, commercial or industrial sources such as:

  • construction activities
  • demolition and concrete pours
  • air conditioning units
  • pool pumps and spas
  • events and festivals
  • power tools and other machinery like mowers, leaf blowers, compressors, impacting tools, mulchers
  • rubbish collection
  • street and vegetation maintenance

Reduce the impact of noise

  • Use noisy appliances as far as possible from neighbouring premises.
  • Communicate noise activity and duration with neighbours.
  • Power tool use is allowed within 8am and 8pm Monday to Saturday, and within 9am and 8pm any Sunday or public holiday.
  • Street maintenance and rubbish collection is limited to 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 7pm any Sunday or public holiday.
  • Construction noise is limited to 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturdays.
  • In all cases, we take several factors into account, like the level, nature or extent of the noise. This can include volume, pitch, vibrational frequency, prevalence or frequency of occurrence.

These elements can constitute unreasonable interference of persons occupying neighbouring premises.

Exemptions to the local nuisance laws includes (but is not limited to) noise from:

  • Fireworks displays
  • Sporting activities at a sporting facility
  • Public infrastructure works
  • Music and voices at domestic premises (Call SAPOL 131 444)
  • Barking dogs
  • Vehicles, aircraft and railways
  • Licensed premises under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 (Call Liquor Licensing Authority 131 882)
  • Normal activities undertaken at a school, kindergarten or place of worship

If a nuisance is emanating from an industrial premises, it may be a site that is licensed by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and therefore not within the council’s jurisdiction. These matters can be referred directly to the EPA. Visit www.epa.sa.gov.au for information.

LGA Factsheet 11 - Nuisance (Noise)

Application for exemption

For events or activities using amplified sound outside the allowed times, applications for exemptions may be considered in exceptional circumstances. To apply for an exemption, please complete the request for exemption form.

There are timeframes that need to be adhered to when submitting an application. These include:

  • 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the activity where the activity is to take place over a period not exceeding 24 hours; or
  • 4 weeks prior to the commencement of an activity where the activity is to take place over a period of 24 hours or longer