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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Hamilton, Ontario
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: No single 'quiet hours'; unreasonable noise prohibited at any time. Construction/loading clearly audible is prohibited 22:00-07:00.
Weekends/holidays: Same prohibition 22:00-07:00 for construction/loading; unreasonable noise can be enforced at any time.
Construction weekdays: 07:00-19:00 exempt; 22:00-07:00 prohibited if clearly audible; 19:00-22:00 may require a permit or be enforced if unreasonable.
Construction weekends: Same as weekdays (exempt 07:00-19:00; prohibited 22:00-07:00 if clearly audible; permit needed for exceptions).
Hamilton enforces a general prohibition on unreasonable noise. Construction/loading noise that is clearly audible is prohibited 22:00-07:00. See the Noise Control By-law 11-285.
Residential quiet hours
No single 'quiet hours'; unreasonable noise prohibited at any time. Construction/loading clearly audible is prohibited 22:00-07:00.
Weekends & holidays: Same prohibition 22:00-07:00 for construction/loading; unreasonable noise can be enforced at any time.
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-19:00 exempt; 22:00-07:00 prohibited if clearly audible; 19:00-22:00 may require a permit or be enforced if unreasonable.
Weekends: Same as weekdays (exempt 07:00-19:00; prohibited 22:00-07:00 if clearly audible; permit needed for exceptions).
Lawn equipment
Not specifically scheduled - falls under 'unreasonable noise' provisions; keep use to daytime and avoid late evening/night.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Unreasonable noise standard applies; outdoor amplified music on patios/events generally requires a permit with conditions (for example <=60 dBA at the property line for permitted events).
Typical fines
Up to $10,000 (first offence, individual) and up to $25,000 for subsequent; corporations up to $50,000/$100,000 (court-imposed).
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via City By-law Services (905-546-2782 during business hours; 905-546-2489 after hours).. 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.hamilton.ca/city-council/by-laws-enforcement/register-by-law-complaint or call City By-law Services (905-546-2782 during business hours; 905-546-2489 after hours).. 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 neighbor - Hamilton restricts clearly audible construction/loading noise after 10 p.m., and 'unreasonable noise' anytime. Could you keep it down tonight?
Landlord / property manager
Hello, repeated late-night noise from [unit] appears to contravene Hamilton's Noise Control By-law. Please follow up with the tenant.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: City of Hamilton - Noise Control By-law No. 11-285 (consolidated)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- If construction/loading noise occurs after 10 p.m., document it (video/time stamp) and submit a by-law complaint.
- Outdoor events with amplified sound typically need a noise exemption; check permit conditions before playing music.
- Provide address, dates/times, and whether the noise was clearly audible from your property when reporting.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.