Noise

While some level of noise is a normal part of everyday life, unwanted noise can still impact your comfort, wellbeing, and enjoyment of your home. The City acknowledges these concerns and promotes a respectful, step-by-step approach to resolving noise issues.

Noise may originate from residential activities, commercial or construction operations, or agricultural activities. Each type of noise is managed in accordance with the City’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy to ensure fair and consistent outcomes for all parties involved.

To assist you in navigating the process, please select the relevant tab below. Each tab outlines the appropriate steps for addressing specific types of noise. Before submitting a formal complaint, we encourage you to follow the recommended process to ensure your concern is directed to the most suitable authority.

 

 

Residential noise

Step 1.Step 1: Speak With Your Neighbour

Often, the person responsible for the noise may not be aware that it is causing a disturbance. A calm, respectful conversation can resolve many issues quickly and preserve good neighbourly relationships.

If you feel uncomfortable approaching them directly, consider leaving a polite, non-confrontational letter in their letterbox explaining the impact of the noise.

Step 2.Step 2: Access Free Legal Guidance

If the issue persists and personal communication has been unsuccessful, you can seek guidance from Legal Aid NSW.

The Law Access website offers free legal information and dispute resolution advice.

Visit www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Step 3.Step 3: Apply for a Noise Abatement Order

If mediation fails, you can apply for a Noise Abatement Order through your local court. If granted, the order requires the person responsible to stop or prevent the noise. These orders can remain in effect indefinitely.

Noise Regulations

Under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017, the use of certain equipment, vehicles, or articles outside permitted times is assessed case-by-case. The City considers the nature, timing, and impact of the noise to determine whether it constitutes an unreasonable disturbance or breach of standards.

Time restrictions for domestic activities
Noise source – from residential premises Time restrictions when noise should not be heard in a habitable* room in a neighbour’s residence

Power tools and equipment (powered garden tools such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers; electric or pneumatic tools, chainsaws, circular saws, gas or air compressors; swimming-pool or spa pumps)
  • Weekends and public holidays: Before 8 am and after 8 pm
  • Any other day: Before 7 am and after 8 pm
Musical instruments and electrically amplified sound equipment (e.g. radios, TVs, tape recorders, CD/DVD players, home-theatre systems)
  • Friday, Saturday, or the day before a public holiday: Before 8 am and after midnight
  • Any other day: Before 8 am and after 10 pm
Air conditioners and heat-pump water heaters
  • Weekends and public holidays: Before 8 am and after 10 pm
  • Any other day: Before 7 am and after 10 pm
Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving residential premises)
  • Weekends and public holidays: Before 8 am and after 8 pm
  • Any other day: Before 7 am and after 8 pm
Refrigeration units fitted to motor vehicles**
  • Weekends and public holidays: Before 8 am and after 8 pm
  • Any other day: Before 7 am and after 8 pm

* A “habitable” room is a space used for normal domestic activities such as a bedroom, living room, lounge, study or dining room.

** For example, refrigeration units on delivery trucks and vans while parked at residential premises.

Step 4.Step 4: Lodge a Complaint with the City

If all other options have been exhausted and the noise is ongoing, you may lodge a complaint with the City of Coffs Harbour:

When the City may investigate a Residential Noise Complaint

The City of Coffs Harbour assesses residential noise complaints in line with its Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Policy. A formal investigation may be considered when the following criteria are met:

  1. Potential Risk to Public Health - Noise that is excessive, persistent, or significantly disrupts sleep, mental wellbeing, or daily activities may be considered a public health concern.
  2. Community Impact ("Community Test") - Whether the noise affects multiple households. The City generally considers this criterion met when a minimum of three separate complaints are received from different households, indicating a wider impact on the neighbourhood.
  3. Private Resolution Has Been Attempted - Residents are expected to take reasonable steps to resolve the issue informally - such as direct communication or mediation—before contacting the City.
  4. Recurring Complaints – Whether similar complaints have been received previously.

Where appropriate, the City may provide information or guidance to the individual responsible for the noise to encourage voluntary compliance before considering enforcement action.

There are certain situations where the City is not the appropriate authority to manage noise complaints. These include:

• Mediation Services, such as Private Mediations or Court Ordered Mediation through Community Justice Centers

• NSW Police – for urgent or after-hours disturbances (e.g., parties, anti-social behaviour)

• Local courts – for applications such as Noise Abatement Orders

 

Commercial noise

Noise from commercial, industrial, and construction activities (not undertaken on residential premises) can affect public health, community amenity, and the environment. The City of Coffs Harbour supports responsible development while ensuring noise is managed in accordance with legal and planning requirements.

Businesses and industrial premises must comply with the conditions of their development consent, including approved operating hours and noise controls. Where breaches occur, the City may take enforcement action under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and relevant planning legislation.

Each complaint is assessed in line with the City’s Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Policy, ensuring a fair, consistent, and proportionate response.

Typical Noise Sources

  • Noise may originate from a wide range of activities, including:
  • Air conditioning, refrigeration, or ventilation systems
  • Loading docks, delivery vehicles, and waste collection
  • Amplified music or entertainment from venues
  • Generators, compressors, and other fixed or mobile equipment
  • Manufacturing and warehousing operations
  • Heavy vehicle movements or machinery
  • Construction and demolition work

Construction Noise – Permitted Hours

Construction and demolition work can create unavoidable noise. However, under NSW EPA guidelines and standard conditions of development consent, work is generally permitted only during the following hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 7:00am – 6:00pm
  • Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
  • Sundays and Public Holidays: No work permitted

Work outside these hours is considered unauthorised unless a specific approval or exemption has been granted by Council for essential or emergency works.

Step 1: Lodge a Complaint with the City

If you have concerns regarding Commercial Noise, you may lodge a complaint with the City of Coffs Harbour:

When the City May Investigate a Commercial Noise Complaint

The City assesses commercial noise complaints in accordance with its Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Policy, ensuring a fair, consistent, and proportionate response. A formal investigation may be considered when:

  1. The Noise Is Offensive or Unreasonable - This includes noise that is excessive, persistent, or clearly disrupts the amenity of surrounding areas.
  2. There Is a Breach of Approved Operating Hours or Development Consent - Activities operating outside their approved conditions may be subject to investigation and enforcement.
  3. There Is an Impact on Public Health or Community Amenity - Noise that interferes with sleep, wellbeing, or the peaceful enjoyment of public or private spaces may be considered a health or amenity issue.
  4. The Noise Is Recurring or Part of a Broader Pattern - Repeated disturbances or patterns of non-compliance may indicate a need for formal intervention.

Where appropriate, the City will first seek voluntary compliance through education and communication. If the issue persists, proportionate regulatory action may be taken in accordance with the Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Policy. This may include issuing warnings, notices, or formal orders to address and resolve the issue.

When the City May Not Investigate

Some commercial noise matters fall outside the City’s jurisdiction and are managed by other authorities:

  • NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) – for EPA licensed premises
  • Liquor & Gaming NSW – for noise and disturbance complaints at licensed venues
  • NSW Police – for urgent or after-hours disturbances
  • Local Courts – for civil disputes or applications such as Noise Abatement Orders

The City generally does not investigate one-off or short-term noise incidents unless they represent a clear breach of environmental or planning law.

 

Agricultural noise

Farming activities are an essential part of rural life, but they can sometimes lead to conflict between landholders, nearby residents, and the broader community. Common sources of agricultural noise include tractors, frost fans, and gas guns used for bird control.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Right to Farm Policy supports lawful farming practices that comply with relevant legislation. While some agricultural noise is unavoidable, respectful communication and thoughtful planning can help minimise its impact on neighbours.

Tips for Landholders and Residents

  • Maintain open communication with neighbours about farming activities
  • Discuss operations likely to generate noise, such as night spraying or frost fan use
  • Consider nearby dwellings when operating equipment and adjust timing or location where possible

The City encourages a balanced approach that respects the rights of primary producers while promoting community harmony.

Step 1.Step 1: Speak With Your Neighbour

Often, the person responsible for the noise may not be aware that it is causing a disturbance. A calm, respectful conversation can resolve many issues quickly and preserve good neighbourly relationships.

If you feel uncomfortable approaching them directly, consider leaving a polite, non-confrontational letter in their letterbox explaining the impact of the noise.

Step 2.Step 2: Access Free Legal Guidance

If the issue persists and personal communication has been unsuccessful, you can seek guidance from: Legal Aid NSW

The Law Access website offers free legal information and dispute resolution advice.

Visit www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Step 3.Step 3: Apply for a Noise Abatement Order

If mediation fails, you can apply for a Noise Abatement Order through your local court.

If granted, the order requires the person responsible to stop or prevent the noise. These orders can remain in effect indefinitely

Step 4.Step 4: Lodge a Complaint with the City

If all other options have been exhausted and the noise is ongoing, you may lodge a complaint with the City of Coffs Harbour:

 

When the City May Investigate an Agricultural Noise Complaint

The City assesses agricultural noise complaints in accordance with its Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Policy, ensuring a fair, consistent, and proportionate response. A formal investigation may be considered when:

  1. Potential Risk to Public Health - Noise that is excessive, persistent, or significantly impacts sleep, mental wellbeing, or daily living may be considered a public health concern.
  2. Community Impact ("Community Test") - Whether the noise affects multiple households. The City generally considers this criterion met when a minimum of three separate complaints are received from different households, indicating a wider impact on the neighborhood.
  3. Private Resolution Has Been Attempted - Residents and landholders are expected to take reasonable steps to resolve the issue informally—such as direct communication - before contacting the City.
  4. Similar Complaints Have Been Received - Multiple reports about the same issue may suggest a recurring disturbance that warrants further investigation.

Where appropriate, the City may provide general information or guidance to support voluntary compliance.

There are certain situations where the City is not the appropriate authority to manage noise complaints. These include:

  • Mediation Services, such as Private Mediations or Court Ordered Mediation through Community Justice Centers
  • NSW Police – for urgent or after-hours disturbances (e.g., parties, anti-social behaviour)
  • Local courts – for applications such as Noise Abatement Orders

 

 

 

STRA noise

Noise from Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) properties can affect neighbourhood amenity, particularly during gatherings or late-night activities.

If you are experiencing ongoing noise issues linked to a STRA property: visit our Report an issue with a STRA for guidance on resolution steps and instructions on how to lodge a formal complaint with the City.

 

 

Contact us

Phone

02 6648 4000

Email

coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Location

City of Coffs Harbour
Yarrila Place, 27 Gordon Street,
Coffs Harbour
2450
View Map

Time-of-day noise restrictions

Find out when certain activities should not be heard inside a neighbour's residence.

Residential noise restrictions

Related information

Back to top