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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Abbotsford, British Columbia
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
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Default quiet hours: Nighttime = 22:00-07:00 (Quiet District residential limits apply: ≤45 dBA / 65 dBC at point of reception).
Weekends/holidays: Saturday 22:00-07:00; Sunday/holidays 22:00-10:00 (nighttime extends to 10:00).
Construction weekdays: 07:00-21:00 near residences; construction equipment ≤85 dBA at 50 ft when near dwellings.
Construction weekends: Saturday 07:00-21:00; Sunday/holidays 09:00-21:00 (permit/exception required outside these hours).
Abbotsford regulates sound with daytime/nighttime limits and two zones (Quiet vs. Activity). In residential (Quiet District), limits are ≤55 dBA (70 dBC) by day and ≤45 dBA (65 dBC) at night. Construction is generally limited to 07:00-21:00 Mon-Sat and 09:00-21:00 Sun/holidays. See the Sound Regulation Bylaw, 2017 (No. 2687-2017).
Residential quiet hours
Nighttime = 22:00-07:00 (Quiet District residential limits apply: ≤45 dBA / 65 dBC at point of reception).
Weekends & holidays: Saturday 22:00-07:00; Sunday/holidays 22:00-10:00 (nighttime extends to 10:00).
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-21:00 near residences; construction equipment ≤85 dBA at 50 ft when near dwellings.
Weekends: Saturday 07:00-21:00; Sunday/holidays 09:00-21:00 (permit/exception required outside these hours).
Lawn equipment
08:00-22:00 if equipment sound is ≤75 dBA at 50 ft (other limits may still apply).
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
General prohibition on disturbing sound; at night (22:00-07:00, or until 10:00 on Sun/holidays) plainly audible sound at a residential point of reception is enforceable even if other limits are met.
Typical fines
Set under the City’s bylaw notice/ticketing regime; Excessive Nuisance Abatement Fees may apply for repeated call-outs.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via City of Abbotsford Bylaw Services (online Bylaw Service Request or phone) for non-emergency; police for active disturbances.. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.abbotsford.ca/bylaw-service-request or call City of Abbotsford Bylaw Services (online Bylaw Service Request or phone) for non-emergency; police for active disturbances.. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi — we’ve been hearing loud music/tools late at night. Abbotsford’s quiet hours run 10 pm-7 am (to 10 am on Sundays/holidays), and residential night limits are 45 dBA. Could you keep it down during those hours? Thanks!
Landlord / property manager
Hello, I’m reporting recurring noise from [unit/address]. Under Abbotsford’s Sound Regulation Bylaw (quiet hours 22:00-07:00; Sun/holidays until 10:00; residential night limit 45 dBA), this is disturbing our unit. Please address with the tenant/contractor; I can share a brief log and recordings if helpful.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: City of Abbotsford — Sound Regulation Bylaw, 2017 (Bylaw No. 2687-2017, consolidated)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- When reporting construction outside permitted windows, include contractor/site signage and exact start/stop times.
- Measure/observe from your property or the property line (the bylaw uses the ‘point of reception’).
- If equipment is very close, note distance; Abbotsford’s limits include distance-based tests (e.g., 75 dBA at 50 ft for power equipment).
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.