Noise
There is increasing noise in the environment and this is a result of the increasingly industrialised society in which we live.
Noise in the workplace is the responsibility of the employer.
Noise from individual vehicles is the responsibility of Police.
Environmental noise is controlled by Council. Environmental noise can be classified as unreasonable noise and excessive noise.
It is important to call us when the noise is happening, so we can take action as soon as possible. The Noise Control Officer will visit the site and determine whether the noise is reasonable or excessive, as determined by the Resource Management Act 1991. The officer will take into consideration the volume, time of day and type of noise. If our officer determines that the noise is excessive, they will serve a written Excessive Noise Direction.
As our district is vast, it is important to note that, in some cases, it can take up to an hour for an officer to arrive on site.
Unreasonable Noise
Noise that may be controlled could include a land based activity such as a factory. In most cases there are rules set out in the District Plan which defines what is an acceptable level of noise. Generally a series of measurements is required to determine if the noise exceeds the rule. Council has staff who are trained in the assessment of noise and in investigating noise problems.
Excessive Noise
Excessive Noise is any noise that unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort and convenience of others. The noise has to be under the ‘control’ of another person. Some examples are:
- Loud music (music from stereos or a band practice)
- Machinery (chainsaws, lawn mowers)
- Car and/or house alarms
Noises that are acceptable during the daytime are often not acceptable at night therefore ‘noise’ can be difficult to define. Acceptability can depend on things like:
- Location of your neighbours
- Time of day
- Type of noise
- Whether the noise is in a residential, commercial or rural area
The noise control officer will attend the locality, listen to the noise and form an opinion on whether or not the noise is excessive. If in the officers opinion the noise is excessive, an Excessive Noise Direction will be issued. This requires the offender to stop making the noise for a period of up to eight days. If the noise starts again or continues after a direction has been issued the officer can enter the premises with the Police and remove the noise making equipment.
