Noise Exemption Permits

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Information on temporary permits that allow a permit holder to exceed the noise limits of the Community Standards Bylaw.

A noise exemption permit is a temporary permit that allows for exemptions to the . Applicants must be able to explain the type of noise to be expected and justify their reasons for exceeding noise limits. While this permit allows for a reasonable increase in noise based on a specific activity, permits may be revoked at any time.

Private functions such as wedding receptions, birthday parties and family gatherings do not qualify for an exemption and will not be granted a permit.

When Should I Get a Permit?

Any person or group planning an activity or event should apply for a noise exemption permit if it is expected to exceed the permitted noise levels in Community Standards Bylaw 14600.

While each application is reviewed case by case, permits are generally only approved for required activities, such as major construction projects or maintenance work, and events benefiting the community, such as music festivals, sports events and community celebrations.

Community Level Events

All community-level concerts and festivals held in City parks or on City property must conclude by 2200 hours (10pm). Requests for extensions beyond this time are not guaranteed and require a detailed justification to be considered for a noise exemption permit.

What Do I Need to Apply For A Permit?

When applying for a permit, you are required to provide:

The name of the person or group requesting the permit
The nature of the event
The address of the event
The dates and times of the event
The contact person on site and phone number
How this event will benefit the community
The type of work or activities planned and the reason(s) why any work or activities are required to be done during overnight hours
How you intend to inform residents and businesses that may be affected prior to the start of the noisy activity, and what noise mitigation strategies that will be used to reduce the impact to the area residents
If the event supported or in collaboration with City of Edmonton’s Civic Events Team or Neighbourhoods Resource Coordinators

Processing and Cost

In order to provide adequate processing time, it is recommended that noise exemption permit applications are submitted at least 7 days prior to the start of the activity. Once the application is approved, a permit will be sent electronically through email to the applicant. If it is denied, an email will be sent, explaining the reasons for the denial.

There is no fee to obtain a noise exemption permit.

Noise Exemption Application

Request a waiver to the Noise Bylaw.

Apply for Permit

Noise Mitigation Strategies

Applicants must provide the noise mitigation strategies to be used to reduce the impact to the area residents. Failure to provide sufficient measures may result in a permit application being denied.

Noise mitigation strategies are any measures used to reduce the impact of noise to the surrounding community. Examples include:

Community notifications informing area residents of the event, including the dates, hours and types of noises to be expected
Use of acoustic barriers to reduce unnecessary noise
Ensuring event facility doors and windows are closed
Amplified sound system designed to direct sound away from nearest residents
Amplified sound system volume controlled by a limited number of designated persons
Guidelines posted to guests in regards to noise when outside the venue
Noise level testing at the location of nearest residents
Complaint line or event contact information posted

Can A Permit Be Revoked

The City of Edmonton can revoke a noise exemption permit if the applicant has not taken sufficient measures to minimize the noise or has not adhered to the conditions and activities specified on the permit. Reasons a noise exemption permit may be revoked include, but are not limited to:

The permit holder, or any of its officers, employees, affiliates, or agents provided false information or misrepresents any fact or circumstance in the application process
The permit holder has failed to comply with any conditions listed on the noise permit
In the opinion of the City Manager based on reasonable grounds it is in the public interest to do so

Bylaw fines may be issued should a permit holder not adhere to the conditions and activities specified on the permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of a noise exemption permit?

Noise exemption permits are approved only for the time needed to complete the activity. The maximum length of a noise exemption permit is 90 days, which is usually reserved for larger construction or maintenance projects. Should additional time be required, the permit holder will be required to apply for a new permit.

Can I be fined if I have a permit?

While the noise exemption permit does allow permit holders to exceed the noise limits of the Community Standards Bylaw, all permit holders are expected to be mindful of neighbouring communities and apply reasonable sound mitigation strategies. Failure to do so may result in the permit being revoked and bylaw fines issued. The specified penalty amounts for contravening the bylaw range from $250 - $500.

Collection Statement

Personal information is collected for the purpose of responding to your complaint and enforcing municipal bylaws. Collection is authorized under section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and is managed and protected in accordance with the Act. The City intends to input the information into an automated system to generate content or make decisions, recommendations or predictions in accordance with the City of Edmonton Generative AI Standard (see Council Policies, Standards section).

Personal information submitted through 311, the 311 app, or the online complaint form will be disclosed to appropriate business areas within the City so they may respond to your complaint. In addition, if the complaint leads to bylaw enforcement, your personal information may be required to be disclosed as part of the court proceeding. For more information on how the City protects your privacy, visit Access to Information and Protection of Privacy.