Noise

Residential noise is noise from a residential premises or property. It's one of the most common sources of noise. It includes noise from:

• houses
• Airbnbs
• worker accommodation
• residential properties
• any land, buildings or outbuildings used in connection with a residence, such as driveways, sheds and workshops.

Residential noise includes noise from everyday household activities – for example:

• air conditioners
• lawn mowers and leaf blowers
• music
• parties or entertaining
• power tools used for home repairs or maintenance
• stereos or radios
• televisions
• vehicle idling, maintenance and repair.

Residential noise includes repairs and maintenance to an existing building. It does not include noise from constructing, demolishing or removing a residential building.

Who you can report to

• Council
• Victoria Police (when you need a response after-hours, such as loud parties, call Triple Zero (000))

Residential noise and the law

Learn more about what makes residential noise unreasonable, including prohibited times on the EPA website.

The Environment Protection Regulations 2021 cover specific sources of noise from residential properties.

Commercial, industrial and trade noise includes most noise from any place that is not a residential premises. This includes:

• farms
• factories
• mines and quarries
• offices
• public buildings
• schools
• shops
• utility infrastructure for power, water and telecommunications.

Commercial, industrial and trade noise does not include:

• construction noise
• music noise from entertainment venues and events
• residential noise
• wind turbine noise

Who you can report to

• EPA
• Council

Commercial, industrial and trade noise and the law

Learn more about what makes noise unreasonable, including noise limits on the EPA website.

Music noise from indoor and outdoor entertainment venues and events can include:

• live or recorded music
• voices, including audience singing or DJ announcements
• other amplified sounds and sound effects that happen with music.

Music noise from indoor and outdoor entertainment venues and events does not include residential noise – for example:

• speakers
• parties
• musical instruments.

Who you can report to

• EPA
• Council
• Victoria Police (when you need a response after-hours, such as loud parties, call Triple Zero (000))
• Liquor Commission Victoria (licences premises like pubs, club and bars)

Music noise and the law 

Learn more about what makes noise unreasonable, including noise limits on the EPA website.

Examples

• Major infrastructure projects e.g. major road projects
• State government managed land use e.g. public schools and prisons
• Noise from wind turbines

Who you can report to

• EPA

Noise and the law

Learn more about what makes noise unreasonable on the EPA website.