Report noise
As residents of the City, you are allowed to report noise that affects you. It is important to know that noise is dealt with by more than one department depending on the type of noise that you are experiencing.
Reporting noise
If you are experiencing a noise which is interfering with your peace, you should know what type of noise you are dealing with and which department you should report it to.
See the table below for a short explanation of the different types of noise and the department that responds.
Building, construction and demolition noise
The
National Buildings Regulations do not in any way limit working hours. However, there is a limit on the hours, during which time, construction activities (excessive noise) may not ‘unreasonably disturb or interfere with the amenity of the neighbourhood.'
These hours are:
- Sundays and public holidays
- Before 6:00 and after 17:00 on Saturdays
- Before 6:00 and after 18:00 on any day other than those listed above
Unless:
- The work is required in an emergency to protect life or property;
- it is work by or on behalf of any public authority; or
- when the local authority has authorised such work.
This type of noise should be reported to the relevant Building Development Management District Office in your area. If you are experiencing unreasonable and excessive building and construction noise during the above-mentioned hours, you will need to report it to Law Enforcement, report it online, or contact your local SAPS. Find out how below.
Noise disturbance vs. nuisance
A Noise disturbance is a louder type of noise which can be measured.
Examples may include:
- Amplification such as music, nightclubs, public events and public address (PA) systems (e.g. microphones or loudspeakers).
- Machinery such as industrial noise, extractor fans, power tools etc.
A noise disturbance is measured to exceed the allowable legal noise limits. A decibel reading will need to be taken to enforce noise control.
This type of noise should be reported to Environmental Health Specialised Services. Find out how below.
A noise nuisance means any sound which impairs or may impair the convenience or peace of a reasonable person. Unlike a noise disturbance, it may not exceed the allowable noise limit, but may be repetitive or constant noise.
Examples may include:
- Sporadic noise such as a sparking electric fence; slamming doors; sliding gates etc.
- Intermittent noise such as house parties; alarms; domestic disputes etc.
- Unamplified noise such as human voice (shouting, screaming)
- Animal noise (e.g. dogs barking, whimpering or fighting or a rooster crowing.)
- Any other nuisance noise
This type of noise can be reported to Law Enforcement or to your local Environmental Sub District. Find out how below.
For more information on the types of noise, see our
What Is Noise Handbook.
Download the SOP below for more information on how we regulate complaints relating to noise nuisances and noise disturbances.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Complaints Relating to Noise Nuisances and Noise Disturbances
Download PDF Report
Depending on the type of noise you are experiencing, you can report it to the relevant department by following the steps below:
Report noise to Law Enforcement
Follow the steps below to report noise online:
- Go to
e-Services
- Create a service request
- Select Law Enforcement from the group drop down menu
- Select noise nuisance from the service drop down menu
- Describe the noise you are experiencing
- Submit
Alternatively, the call centre is available 24/7, you can report noise to the Public Emergency Community Centre (PECC) on
021 480 7700.
Your complaint will be logged on our EPIC system and routed to the appropriate office to be resolved.
Report noise to City Health
Follow the steps below to report noise online:
- Go to
e-Services
- Create a service request
- Select Health from the group drop down menu
- Select City Health from the service drop down menu
- Select Noise Pollution
- Describe the noise you are experiencing
- Submit
noise@capetown.gov.za
Report noise to Environmental Health
Contact Environmental Health's Specialised Services for a noise disturbance, or your local Sub-district Office for a noise nuisance, who will then send someone over to measure the noise levels. If the noise is classified as a noise disturbance, you will be given more details on how to report it.
Specialised Services:
Noise Control
Telephone:
021 480 7700
Office hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 - 16:30
Weekends: Closed
Download the Environmental Health: Sub-District Offices Contact List
If you need to report a noise outside of office hours you can report it to Law Enforcement or SAPS.
Report noise to Building development Management (BDM)
Report excessive building, construction or demolition noise to the relevant
BDM District Office in your area.
Office hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 - 14:30
Weekends: Closed
If you need to report a noise outside of office hours you can report it to the
Transport Information Centre online, to Law Enforcement, or you can contact your local SAPS.
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