Commercial properties are obligated to ensure they remain within noise emission limits, which may differ according to the time of day.
Noise restrictions may apply to your business whether you are working from commercial or residential premises. You may also be interested in what to do if affected and tips for businesses to reduce noise. See also: Noise from commercial waste collection.
Industrial premises
Industrial noise includes noise from machinery, air conditioning and commercial premises in general.
As a business owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your noise levels are within appropriate limits. Where appropriate, industrial noise can be assessed using the State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade No. N-1). The policy aims to protect people from the effects of noise. New and proposed industries should be designed to be within the policy’s noise limits. If you do not limit your noise, city residents and visitors are entitled to make a noise complaint.
There are a number of industrial noise sources that are not within the jurisdiction of council. These include public transport, gasworks, road works and some major development sites. Building sites are a special case.
Entertainment venues
Melbourne has one of Australia’s best night scenes and council wants to continue to promote the vibrancy of Melbourne as a 24-hour city. However, noise associated with pubs and clubs can sometimes affect residents.
A balance is needed between the expectations of residents to have a good night’s sleep and the ability of the venue to run a successful business. All premises that are licensed to serve alcohol are obliged to respond quickly and positively to resolve complaints with neighbours.
Victoria Police have power under the Environment Protection Act 1970 to instruct a venue to abate any entertainment noise after midnight. These directions stay in force until 8 am.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria developed the Victorian environment protection policy (Control of music noise from public premises, No. N-2). While not directly enforceable as legislation, noise requirements based on this policy are often included in a venue's liquor licence or planning permit.
Residential premises
The Environmental Protection Act 1970 (EP Act) states that it is an offence to cause unreasonable noise from any residential premises. Noise may be considered unreasonable depending on several factors including volume, time of day, and intensity of duration.
The Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2008 lists specific types of residential noise and times they are prohibited. Visit EPA Victoria to find out more about residential noise regulations.