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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Halifax, Nova Scotia
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: Varies by activity per By-law N-200; many residential disturbances prohibited 23:00-07:00.
Weekends/holidays: Schedule A sets additional limits, including prohibited periods on Sundays and holidays for several activities.
Construction weekdays: General construction allowed 07:00-20:00; rock breaking 08:00-18:00; concrete finishing allowed until 21:30 with notice.
Construction weekends: Saturdays: construction 08:00-19:00 (rock breaking prohibited); Sundays/holidays: construction 09:00-19:00 unless exempted.
Halifax's By-law N-200 regulates noise by activity and time bands (Schedule A). Construction is limited to 07:00-20:00 weekdays, 08:00-19:00 Saturdays, and 09:00-19:00 Sundays/holidays; rock breaking and concrete finishing have tighter windows. See By-law N-200 and the City's noise complaint guide.
Residential quiet hours
Varies by activity per By-law N-200; many residential disturbances prohibited 23:00-07:00.
Weekends & holidays: Schedule A sets additional limits, including prohibited periods on Sundays and holidays for several activities.
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
General construction allowed 07:00-20:00; rock breaking 08:00-18:00; concrete finishing allowed until 21:30 with notice.
Weekends: Saturdays: construction 08:00-19:00 (rock breaking prohibited); Sundays/holidays: construction 09:00-19:00 unless exempted.
Lawn equipment
Domestic power tools prohibited outside Schedule A letter A hours (before 07:00 and after 21:30 weekdays; before 08:00/after 19:00 Saturdays; before 09:00/after 19:00 Sundays and holidays).
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Amplified sound, PA systems, and other Schedule A activities must comply with their assigned time bands (letters A-D).
Typical fines
Minimum fines: $300 (first), $700 (second), $1,000 (third+); maximum up to $10,000 and/or one year imprisonment.
First offense: ~$300 (varies by case)
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Contact 311 during service hours or Halifax Regional Police non-emergency (902-490-5020) when noise is active.. 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.halifax.ca/city-hall/legislation-by-laws/by-law-standards/noise-complaints or call Contact 311 during service hours or Halifax Regional Police non-emergency (902-490-5020) when noise is active.. 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 there - Halifax By-law N-200 limits this type of noise after the posted hours (for example, most tools after 9:30 p.m. weekdays). Could we keep it within the permitted times? Thanks for understanding.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, noise from {{unit/location}} appears to fall outside Halifax By-law N-200 Schedule A (for example, construction after 8 p.m. or Sunday work without approval). I have a brief log and would appreciate your help confirming compliance.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Halifax Regional Municipality - By-law N-200 (Respecting Noise)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Identify the Schedule A letter that applies (e.g., domestic tools, construction, rock breaking) and note the prohibited time band.
- Report during the restricted period so officers can assess audibility at your location (point of reception).
- Check nearby construction sites for posted exemption notices and note approval numbers if present.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.