Noise, simply stated, is any unwanted sound. We respond to complaints about noise in the community when the noise interferes with your peace, comfort and convenience.

The noise control provisions under the Resource Management Act 1991 and District Plan are designed to:

• Protect the public from excessive or unreasonable noise.
• Protect the rights of people and industry.
• Set out obligations for all of us to keep noise to a reasonable level.

Noise in your neighbourhood

Everybody should expect some degree of noise in their neighbourhood from time to time. We do not regulate everyday activities such as mowing lawns, building construction, road repairs etc. While such noise may be a nuisance to you temporarily, provided the hours of operation are reasonable, we may not necessarily respond to such complaints.
There are specific situations where noise is not covered by the Resource Management Act 1991 but controlled by other agencies. These include:

• Barking dogs - contact Animal Control, Timaru District Council, Phone: 6877200
• Noisy vehicles on the road - contact the Traffic Safety Branch of the New Zealand Police
• Noise within a work place - contact the Department of Labour

Sometimes there is noise that may be annoying but is considered reasonable. Below we have explained the categories so you can decide whether you need to ring us or perhaps wait for a while to see if the problem resolves.

• Unreasonable noise
• Excessive noise
• HOW to avoid complaints
• responding to noise complaints
• Unreasonable noise

This is noise associated with commercial or industrial activities. It usually cannot be reduced or abated immediately without interfering with the business at hand. For example, a noisy machine cannot simply be turned off as it may affect product output, or interfere with health and safety.

Our city is divided into zones depending on their general characteristics. Each zone is allocated noise levels within which all businesses/activities must operate. For example, industrial zones are allocated higher noise limits in comparison to residential zones. These noise levels are stated in the District Plan and require monitoring with sound level equipment.