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Toronto Noise Bylaw
I believe that the only regulation that has a binding effect and specifies maximum noise levels is the Toronto Noise Bylaw, recently updated and relaxed in favor of noise producers. This bylaw is used to resolve noise complaints, but it is quite confusing, and several sections contradict each other.
For example, I quote from the bylaw:
§ 591-2.8. Stationary sources and residential air conditioners.
- No person shall cause or permit the emission of sound from a stationary source or residential air conditioner that, when measured with a sound level meter at point of reception, has a sound level (expressed in terms of Leq for a one-hour period) exceeding 50 dB(A) or the applicable sound level limit prescribed in provincial noise pollution control guidelines.
“Point of reception” is defined in § 591-1.1. as:
POINT OF RECEPTION - Any location on the premises of a person where sound originating from other than those premises is received. The following locations are points of reception:
(1) An outdoor area that is:
(a) near the façade of a building, at a height of 1.5 meters above ground, typically in backyards, front yards, terraces or patios; or
(b) on a balcony or elevated terrace (for example, a rooftop) provided it is not enclosed; or
(2) An indoor area that is inside a building with windows and doors closed.
A 50 dBA noise level is permitted in the client’s apartment by strictly interpreting this. This is quite loud and unacceptable to most people, leading to noise complaints. It does not make sense to have the same permitted noise level indoors and outdoors. This must be an error in the bylaw. I believe this bylaw paragraph intends to regulate exterior noise sources such as air conditioners and backup power generators.
The bylaw omits, or inadequately addresses, the issues of stationary equipment inside buildings, such as a lift, elevator equipment, or other mechanical noise sources. Rooftop equipment needs to be mentioned; it is outside but sometimes on top of an apartment.
"Unreasonable noise" and noise complaints
There is a section in the bylaw about “unreasonable noise” without defining any specific noise level. I quote:
§ 591-2.9. Unreasonable and persistent noise.
A. No person shall make, cause or permit noise, at any time, that is unreasonable noise and persistent noise.
B. Subsection A only applies to sound or noise that is NOT described in § 591-2.1 through § 591-2.8;
These paragraphs are:
§ 591-2.1. Amplified sound
§ 591-2.2. Animals (not permitted)
§ 591-2.3. Construction
§ 591-2.4. Loading and unloading
§ 591-2.5. Motor vehicles
§ 591-2.6. Power devices (lawn equipment)
§ 591-2.7. Religious ceremony in a place of worship
§ 591-2.8. Stationary sources and residential air conditioners
In other words, any noise sources listed in the above paragraphs are “reasonable” within the limits described in the individual paragraphs.
However, in many cases it is confusing and unclear if the text under § 591-2.9. B. exempt’s a client’s mechanical noise situation from the restriction of “unreasonable noise”.
Amplified sound in the Toronto Noise Bylaw
In another bylaw paragraph: § 591-2.1. Amplified sound, section B (1) states, I quote:
……. then no person shall emit or cause or permit the emission of continuous amplified sound, measured with a sound level meter at a point of reception in an indoor living area:
That has a sound level (expressed in terms of Leq for a ten-minute period), exceeding 45 dB(A) or 60 dB(C) from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. or 50 dB(A) or 65 dB(C) from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.;
By this rule, “amplified sound” can have a maximin 45 dBA level at nighttime, at the “point of reception.” Is the noise of some mechanical equipment an “amplified sound”? It is a matter of interpretation. By strict meaning, amplified sound comes from sound-reinforcing equipment, such as a speaker. In any case, noise at 45 dBA is very audible and will interfere with most people's sleep.
Another point of interpretation and the potential dispute is the noise test duration. The bylaw defines the noise level test for stationary sources as Leq over 1 hour. In one of my client’s situations, the noise test level was about 49 dBA throughout the noise instance, about 1 minute. Therefore, if tested over 1 hour, the reading would be much lower. However, “amplified sound” is tested in terms of Leq for 10 minutes. The bylaw does not address noise tests for short-duration sounds, however loud.
Industry recommendations about mechanical noise
An industry organization, ASHRAE provides recommendations for maximum noise levels
created by mechanical equipment in residential areas. These recommendations have no force in law, but acoustical consultants often use them in their assessments and recommendations about mechanical noise.
Another problem with this ASHRAE recommendation is that the noise test procedure needs to be clearly defined.
The organization ASHRAE is usually considered by acoustical consultants the most authoritative. The ASHRAE recommended HVAC maximum noise level for condominium living areas is 35 dBA. Acoustic consultants sometimes extend the applicability of this guideline to other types of noises, such as mechanical or elevator noise intruding into an apartment. However, some people consider even this relatively low level of noise annoying.
How much mechanical noise is acceptable?
So, what level of mechanical noise is “acceptable” in a condominium?
Toronto Noise Bylaw considers noise acceptable up to the limit of 50 dBA. This is significantly above the ASHRAE recommendations. However, in my experience, almost no one will be satisfied with the maximum mechanical noise levels permitted under the new Toronto Noise Bylaw. For a complete understanding of all provisions of this bylaw, please read the full text.
The “recommended” maximum by ASHRAE is 35 dBA for apartment living areas. This limit is unenforceable under the Toronto noise bylaw. To determine if a noise a person can hear is reasonable, he needs to retain an acoustical engineer to quantify and describe the noise. With this information, he can hire a lawyer to enforce his legal rights to resolve the problem.
The condominium corporation is legally required to take noise complaints seriously and make all reasonable efforts to have the complaints addressed promptly. An acoustic expert's advice is an integral part of this effort.
In another article, I describe a noise problem addressed under the old, more restrictive noise bylaw. The noise described in the article would be acceptable under the new Toronto Noise Bylaw.
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