City of South Perth - Report Noise Issues

Noise

The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (the Regulations) set out specific assigned noise levels for residential, commercial and industrial properties.
These levels vary subject to the time of day.
Living in residential areas means that we often share noise with our neighbours.
Noise is described as unwanted sound - there can be many sources within a residential area that can cause a disturbance.
There are steps you can take to reduce unwanted noise in your neighbourhood.
If you believe an ongoing noise issue is unreasonable, please try speaking with your neighbour first to see if the matter can be easily resolved.
People are sometimes unaware that their activities are causing a problem.
If you find there is no improvement, you may wish to lodge a formal complaint with the City for investigation.

Procedure for reporting noise issues

The correct procedure for lodging a noise complaint is as follows:

identify and locate the noise source;
keep a noise log to support your claims, with the times and dates of the noise incidents; and
lodge your complaint with the City below.

Please note:

Noise investigations may take time and there is no set timeframe for when the matter can be resolved.
Authorised Noise Officers must first conduct an investigation and collect sufficient evidence before any action can be taken. This involves measuring the noise and that measurement must be obtained from the premises that is receiving the noise (normally the complainants property).
If the matter was to proceed to court, you would be required to provide a formal statement regarding the impact of the noise.

Examples of noise issues

Before you lodge your request please view the different types of noise information below

Construction site noise

Specified equipment/residential noise

Equipment used on residential premises

Any equipment requiring the constant presence of an operator is classified as specified equipment - this includes equipment such as power tools, lawn mowers and basketballs.
Specified equipment must still be used in a reasonable manner and is not permitted to be used for longer than 2 hours per day.
Noise from specified equipment is permitted to be used during the hours of 7am - 7pm, Mondays to Saturdays and 9am - 7pm, Sundays and public holidays.
Musical Instruments - one non-amplified musical instrument may be used for 1 hour a day.

Party and stereo noise

For stereo use, it is recommended that the volume be at a level that cannot be heard at the property boundary.
Keep the bass component of your stereo to a minimum.
Please note that fines can be issued if complaints are justified with evidence about noise emissions.

Please note:

the City is limited in its ability to deal with out-of-hours noise matters particularly if they are associated with anti-social behaviour or involve alcohol or drug use.
Police Officers are authorised noise officers and are best equipped to attend after hours parties and gatherings.
the City can assist with on-going or regularly occurring party and stereo noise disturbance

Hosting a Party?

If you are planning a party, please follow these guidelines to maintain good relations with your neighbours:

turn the music down at 10pm and off at midnight;
monitor the noise at the boundary during the party and try and place amplified music inside rather than having it outside. Ask everyone to move inside the house after midnight;
leave the clean-up until the morning so the sound doesn't disturb neighbours; and
ask your guests to leave quietly and say your goodbyes inside.

Mechanical equipment

For example - air conditioners and swimming pool pumps:

take care if you are thinking of installing an air conditioner, swimming pool pump, traffic gate or any other piece of mechanical equipment;
it's important to ensure that the equipment selected and location to be installed is suitable, so that you don't create unreasonable noise;
if a neighbour has mechanical equipment that has started to sound louder than usual or there's a change in times of operation, you're encouraged to speak to your neighbour first as they may not be aware of the changes; and
servicing/maintenance of existing equipment may resolve the matter, or negotiating the times of operation for pumps may be an easier and quicker way to come to a resolution with your neighbour.

Security alarm

Alarms are important security devices but can cause excess noise if accidentally triggered. Please ensure:

you're familiar with your alarm system and can operate it correctly;
the alarm has been installed properly;
the alarm is in a location that minimises the possibility of damage or interference;
the length of the siren is limited to a maximum of 10 minutes;
the sound level of an external siren is limited to 90 dB(A), three metres from the perimeter of the building;
the alarm is kept in good working order and serviced at least once a year;
windows/doors are properly closed before activating the alarm and pets are outside; and
trees, shrubs and branches are well away from windows/doors.

Police have the power to silence audible alarms if it has been causing unreasonable noise for at least 30 minutes on a regular basis (associated with false alarms).

Roosters

Essential services

Essential services incorporate a range of services including road and verge cleaning and repair and primarily waste collection services.
The provision of these services is essential in keeping the health and amenity of our City at the highest standard possible.
Whilst the majority of these activities occur during the day, on some occasions these services have to occur prior to 7am, or into the evening.
The City is very mindful of the potential intrusion this may have on residents and as such, ensure that these activities only occur under strict controls.

Other noise types

The City's Environmental Health department does not respond to all noise issues. The following request types are to be referred to the following areas.

Traffic and vehicle noise

Traffic noise is handled by Main Roads for vehicles or Department of Transport for trains.
Vehicle noise complaints such as starting vehicles, exhaust/engine noise and closing car doors cannot be addressed by the City's Health team.
If you are concerned about engine noise being excessively loud, please contact the Police on 131 444 to discuss whether the vehicle has been illegally modified.
If you are seeking traffic treatment devices e.g. speed humps, then please refer to road safety knowledge for more information.

Anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour includes yelling and arguing / vocal noise. Vocal noise cannot be addressed by the City's Health team. Anti-social behaviour should be reported to the Police on 131 444.
The City's Health team cannot monitor/attend to the comings and goings of persons from a residential premises and the noise associated with this. Should you suspect illegal activities, please refer to the Police on 131 444.

Barking dogs

Aircraft noise

Alarms currently sounding

Issues with neighbours

People are sometimes unaware that their activities are causing a problem.
The City encourages all residents and business operators to talk to their neighbours about any issues before making a complaint.

Anonymous requests

Your contact details are required when lodging this issue to ensure a proper investigation can be completed. Personal information is not disclosed to any person without consent.

Raise a Request

To report a noise issue, please raise a request below.
An officer will action your request within five (5) working days. This includes contacting you to clarify the nature of the complaint, checking on any possible safety risks for City staff and explaining the complaint process.

Report a Noise Issue

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