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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Victoria, 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 is 22:00-07:00 (Mon-Sat) and 22:00-10:00 (Sun/holidays) with lower district-based limits (for example, 45 dBA in Quiet Districts).
Weekends/holidays: On Sundays, daytime starts at 10:00; nighttime is 22:00-10:00 with stricter limits.
Construction weekdays: 07:00-19:00 (non-holiday weekdays), with 85 dBA or less at 15.2 m; exemptions available under section 19.
Construction weekends: Saturday 10:00-19:00; Sundays and holidays not permitted unless an exemption is issued (section 19(3)).
Victoria's Noise Bylaw No. 03-012 sets district-based limits: 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night in Quiet Districts and 60/50 dBA in Intermediate or Harbour Intermediate (see Schedule B). Amplified music is capped at 70 dBC (day) and 65 dBC (night) at a point of reception. Construction that disturbs the public is limited to 07:00-19:00 weekdays and 10:00-19:00 Saturdays; Sundays or holidays require an exemption. See sections 5-9, 12, and 16-19 of the bylaw here.
Residential quiet hours
Nighttime is 22:00-07:00 (Mon-Sat) and 22:00-10:00 (Sun/holidays) with lower district-based limits (for example, 45 dBA in Quiet Districts).
Weekends & holidays: On Sundays, daytime starts at 10:00; nighttime is 22:00-10:00 with stricter limits.
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-19:00 (non-holiday weekdays), with 85 dBA or less at 15.2 m; exemptions available under section 19.
Weekends: Saturday 10:00-19:00; Sundays and holidays not permitted unless an exemption is issued (section 19(3)).
Lawn equipment
Power equipment allowed 08:00-20:00 if 75 dBA or less at 15.2 m (section 16). Leaf blowers: 65 dBA or less at 15.2 m and only 09:00-20:00 on weekdays, 09:00-17:00 on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays (section 17).
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Music or PA systems must not exceed 70 dBC by day or 65 dBC by night at a point of reception (section 12).
Typical fines
Minimum $200 per offence (section 23). Ticket amounts vary by offence; each day can count as a separate offence.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Submit a Report a Bylaw Violation request. Bylaw Services responds daily during daytime hours; for after-hours loud parties, call Victoria Police non-emergency (250-995-7654).. 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.victoria.ca/city-government/bylaw-services/report-bylaw-violation or call Submit a Report a Bylaw Violation request. Bylaw Services responds daily during daytime hours; for after-hours loud parties, call Victoria Police non-emergency (250-995-7654).. 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 neighbour - Victoria's Noise Bylaw has lower night limits (10 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays; 10 p.m.-10 a.m. Sundays and holidays) and a 65 dBC cap for amplified music at night. Could we turn it down during those hours? Thanks!
Landlord / property manager
Hello, noise from {{unit/location}} appears to exceed Victoria's night limits (for example, 65 dBC for amplified music) or equipment-hour rules. I have submitted a Bylaw Services request and would appreciate your assistance.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: City of Victoria - Noise Bylaw No. 03-012 (consolidated to February 1, 2015)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Confirm your Noise District (Schedule A) because permitted levels vary by district.
- If measuring amplified music, C-weighting (dBC) applies; otherwise A-weighting (dBA) applies to general sound levels.
- Construction and special events can receive exemptions, so ask to see the written exemption if activity occurs outside normal hours.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.