Noise management and complaints

Noise emitted from air conditioners can disturb neighbours. The noise has the potential to interfere with normal daily activities, including sleep and have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing.

When choosing an air conditioner, there are many considerations that will have an impact on noise. Consideration must be given to where external components of the air conditioner are to be installed, the size of the area to be cooled or heated, and the size and number of air conditioners required. Installers also have an obligation to ensure that any air conditioning equipment installed does not emit unreasonable noise and comply with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

The permitted noise levels (assigned levels) for air conditioners can be quite low, particularly at night as the ambient sound levels are also low. If you are planning to buy an air conditioner, it should not be assumed that if it is described as quiet, or complies with an Australian Standard, that it will comply with the assigned levels.

Should it be determined that an air conditioner does not meet the assigned levels, the City may request modifications to occur, servicing to be carried out, or may place restrictions on the use of the air conditioner.

Noise emissions from aircraft, trains and road traffic noise are generally exempt from the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

All aircraft noise enquiries and complaints can be directed to:

• Airservices Australia’s’ Noise Complaints and Information Services (NCIS) for all local, domestic and international flights (including helicopters) on 1800 802 584 (free call) or 1300 302 240 Monday – Friday between 10am and 4pm Sydney time. Alternatively, you may submit a complaint via the Airservices Australia website.
• Pearce Airbase on 9571 2000 for all military flights (including military helicopters).
• Noise emissions from rail can be directed to the Public Transport Authority Comment Line on 13 62 13.

The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 can apply where a vehicle is being used on private property in an unreasonable manner. This may include the excessive revving of an engine. The normal vehicle movements of a person leaving their home is not considered unreasonable, regardless of the time of night or day.

Affected residents must provide proof that the dog in question is barking consistently and to a level that constitutes a nuisance as per the State guidelines.

Please refer to the dog ownership page for advice.

Noise generated from children playing basketball at home, can sometimes result in a disturbance being caused to immediate neighbours.

Requirements

Where the playing of basketball, or other sports, is occurring on a residential premises, the following should be observed:

• limit play to two hours per day
• limit play between the hours of 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 7pm on Sunday or public holidays
• locate freestanding basketball hoops away from garage doors or fences
• frequency of play needs to be considered. Your premises should not become the general play area for children living nearby.

Families with young children should consider the stress this type of noise may cause a neighbour, and neighbours also need to appreciate that children often learn through play. If you receive a complaint from a neighbour, both parties should try to reach an agreement on a suitable timetable.

Concerts, cultural and entertainment type events held in the City of Joondalup add vibrancy, provide commercial opportunities to local businesses and are a source of entertainment to residents. Some events may result in excessive noise emissions that require approval.

Community exemptions

Some community activities are exempt from normal allowable noise level requirements, including:

• children in school playgrounds
• noise from fairs and fetes
• crowds at sporting events
• church services
• community concerts and events.

The City retains the authority to take action regarding exempt noise if it deems the noise impacts to be excessive.

Event requirements (excluding community noise exemptions)

Event organisers are responsible for noise levels and must apply for approval.

If an event is expected to generate excessive noise, the following applies:

• An application for approval for a non-complying event may be necessary.
• When approval for a non-complying event is granted, the City specifies the acceptable noise level, which must be strictly adhered to during the event, and monitoring may be conducted to ensure compliance.
• Event organisers may be obligated to notify residents likely to be affected by noise, and provide a dedicated complaints phone line during the event to address noise issues as they arise.
• The City retains the authority to take action regarding exempt noise if it deems the noise impacts to be excessive.

Construction work can be carried out between 7am - 7pm on Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays). This is provided that the equipment is in good working order and is used in the manner it was designed for.

Exemptions

A request to undertake construction work outside of these times can be made to the City if there are extenuating circumstances with the following information:

• Justification as to why the works must be undertaken outside normal construction hours.
• An indication that the equipment being used is the quietest reasonably available.
• An indication that the works would be carried out in accordance with AS 2436-2010 Guide to noise and vibration control on construction, maintenance and demolition sites. This standard provides guidance on noise and vibration control in respect to construction, demolition and maintenance sites. This standard also provides guidance for the preparation of noise and vibration management plans, work method statements and environmental impact studies.  
• The submission of a noise management plan in respect of the construction site.

Builder requirements

Builders and trades are responsible for noise levels and must apply for approval. To find out more visit the construction noise page.

The noise created from flags can cause a disturbance to neighbours, particularly where the halyard and shackles are banging on metal poles on a windy night.

Tips to reduce flag noise

This noise can be reduced by:

• Tying the hoisting rope securely to the flag pole.
• Covering up any shackles, metal buckles, dog clips or rings on the flag with tape.
• Checking the flag pole regularly.

Erecting a flagpole

If you are considering erecting a flagpole, an application for planning approval may be required. Additional information can be found in the protocols for the appropriate use and the flying of the flag.

Tips to reduce windchime noise

Windchimes can also be a source of annoyance to neighbours. This noise can be reduced by:

• Windchimes should be located as close to your own dwelling as possible.
• For properties that are on smaller block sizes, units or townhouses, windchimes should be placed inside the home near a window or door.

Lawnmowers, edgers, garden blowers, high pressure cleaning equipment, power tools and chainsaws may create excessive noise in residential areas.

Requirements

Generally, equipment can be used for up to two hours per day in a reasonable manner between the hours of:

• 7am - 7pm, Monday to Saturday
• 9am - 7pm, Sundays and public holidays.

Alarms can be an effective way to improve home security, deter potential burglars and protect property from theft but can disturb neighbours. WA Police have powers to enter any premises where an alarm has been sounding for 30 minutes. They can enter the premises and arrange for the alarm to be deactivated and the cost can be recovered from the owner of the house or business.

Tips to reduce intruder alarm noise

Property owners should consider the following:

• The alarm is installed by a licensed security agent.
• You are familiar with your alarm system and can operate it correctly.
• The alarm has auxiliary power backup.
• The alarm system is maintained in proper working order and serviced at least once every 12 months.
• 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), one metre from the perimeter of the building.
• Arranging a friend or family member, preferably someone that lives close, to disarm and service a faulty alarm should a problem occur whilst you are away from home.

Loud music, movie or gaming soundtracks are the most common source of noise disturbance.

Requirements

As a guide, music that is clearly audible at the boundary of a property may cause a disturbance and be regarded as unreasonable noise, regardless of the time of day. Music with a dominant bass component can be disturbing even when it doesn’t appear to be loud. The bass component should therefore be kept to a minimum.

The playing of a musical instrument that is likely to cause a disturbance to a neighbour is generally permitted, provided certain requirements are met.

Requirements

Musical instruments are permitted with the following requirements:

• The instrument is played for no more than one hour per day between the hours of 7am – 7pm, Monday to Saturday, and 9am – 7pm on Sundays and public holidays.
• The instrument is played in a suitable room with all windows and doors closed. A metal shed does not constitute a suitable room as there is insufficient attenuation of the noise.
• Only a single instrument is being played. Band practice should occur in a rehearsal studio or other suitable location.
• In case of drum kits, sound-off pads and cymbal silencers are recommended.
• Electric guitars should have the amplifier turned down to the lowest level.

It is reasonable for an occasional party or gathering to be held, provided consideration is given to neighbours. If all due care is taken to reduce the impact of any noise, the City would consider up to four parties in a year is as being reasonable. For assistance with anti-social activities and party noise, please contact the WA Police on 13 14 44.

Tips to reduce party noise

Party organisers should:

• Start your party earlier so that it can finish earlier
• Avoid using speakers outside your house
• Let your neighbours know about the party and the time you expect to finish
• Adjust the volume control (especially the bass) to ensure music does not annoy your neighbours
• If possible move your guests inside if the party is likely to finish late at night (after midnight on Friday and Saturday nights or after 10pm on other nights of the week) and close all windows and doors to contain the noise to your home.

When selecting a type of bird to keep as a pet, the amount of noise the bird is likely to make should be given serious consideration.

Tips to reduce bird noise

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce bird noise:

• Try placing a towel or blanket (don’t use a polyester fabric as it does not breath) over the cage, making sure there is enough air flow. The cloth should be thick enough to block out the light of day as this should lull your pet bird back to sleep. Do not use a cloth over the cage as an automatic response to noise. Only use it at night, or when you are trying to sleep in the morning. Keeping the bird covered all the time can make them unsocial and even neurotic.
• Most birds will become quiet in the dark. Remember to turn off any lights around the cage or aviary.
• Be slow-paced and comforting. Your bird might be getting nervous or upset and moving too quickly can aggravate this. Check that there are no other disturbances around the bird, such as early morning machine noises or an ability to hear other birds waking up outside.
• Talk quietly to your bird. Birds will often quiet down to hear what you are saying. 
• Birds may learn to make loud noise as a means of getting your attention. If you yell at your bird when it is loud, it may think the two of you are just yelling together in harmony. Birds don’t find yelling as irritating. Instead, remain indifferent as you hush your bird and don’t make eye contact.
• Boredom can cause your bird to be loud. If the bird is caged too often, the cage is too small, the bird is secluded from people or has too few toys the bird may start to “scream”. To relieve this, try moving the cage and rotate the bird’s toys regularly to keep it entertained. Also, use a variety of swings, shredding toys, foot toys, appropriate chewing toys and bells as amusements for your bird.
• The simplest way to reduce noise is to give your birds lots of attention. The more play time it has with you, the less noise it will make when you are trying to relax.
• Be sure to reward your bird when it is behaving quietly. Food treats such as apple slices or plain popcorn (without butter, salt or other seasonings) is good for this.

When installing a swimming pool or spa, consideration should be given to the location and type of equipment. Unfortunately, most noise complaints arise after the pool pump or spa pump has been installed and the only method of reducing the noise is by providing a barrier between the pump and the neighbouring premises.

Most pool cleaners on the market can, under certain circumstances, cause low frequency noise to be heard at nearby premises. This noise is generated by the intermittent suction action of the cleaner as it moves slowly around the pool, causing sound waves to be transmitted into the ground. This can sometimes be heard as a low frequency thumping sound within a neighbour’s home, that residents are unable to escape by closing a window as the noise enters the home through the floor.

Tips to reduce pool pump and spa noise

A range of measures can be used to reduce the noise impact of pool pumps:

• When choosing a pool motor for your pool, consideration should be given to purchasing a water cooled pool motor or a quiet air-cooled model.
• Install the pool motor on rubber matting (25 millimetres thickness is usually ideal).
• Provide a flexible coupling secured by jubilee clips on the inlet side of the motor. This isolates the motor and can prevent any noise transmission along the pipe work.
• Construct an enclosure over the pool motor ensuring adequate ventilation to keep the motor cool (unless you have a water cooled motor). The enclosure should be constructed of dense materials such as brickwork or 30 millimetres thick jarrah and be lined internally with acoustic lining or batt style roof insulation.
• Finding the right location for the pool pump is an important decision. Don’t assume that a pool pump that is described as quiet or compliant with Australian Standards, will not cause a disturbance to neighbouring properties. When installing your pool, seek advice from the installation company.
• Asking your neighbours if they are being disturbed by the pool pump and if there are times when the pump disturbs them more. Most people are affected late at night, and early in the morning when trying to sleep. Consider shift workers.
• Place the pool pump on a timer. This will ensure that the unit isn’t mistakenly left running and will limit the time of operation. Most domestic pools need the pump to run for six to eight hours/day in summer to achieve the desired turnover of water. Check the timer regularly as power blackouts or power surges can affect the operation of the timer.
• Maintain your pool equipment, keep the filter clean and service moving parts. Poorly maintained equipment can cause higher noise levels and reduce the effectiveness of the pump. Contact the manufacturer or installer for further advice.

Tips to reduce pool cleaning systems noise

Property owners should consider the following:

• Installing a valve designed to reduce vibration.
• Choosing a pool cleaner which make no noise at all.
• Consider segregating the pool cleaner from the pool pump, to avoid it operating unnecessarily.