Noise
Bravo to a Spain court for punishing a repeated noise offender with a jail term. Although, I feel the five year sentence was excessive it’s nice to see a court acknowledge the harm that can be caused by repeated excessive noise.
The BBC reported that:
Ms Ahijado, who was also fined more than 17,000 euros ($22,000), had ignored several previous orders to turn the music down.
The judges described the noise, played from early morning until half-way through the night, as a form of torture. One neighbour had to seek treatment for anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Chapter 591 of Toronto’s By-Laws deal with noise.
Noise itself is defined as unwanted sound.
The general prohibition is:
No, person shall make, cause or permit noise or vibration, at any time, which is likely to disturb the peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the inhabitants of the City.
Noise can encompass a great deal of things such as, motor vehicles racing, causing your tires to squeal, construction equipment just to name a few.
The time periods for the noise prohibition are listed in 591-4 (A) and (B) Prohibitions by time and place.
For example, playing music is prohibited at all times in a quiet zone and in a residential area between 11:00 pm to 7:00 am on regular days and 9:00 am on Sunday’s and statutory holidays.
Generally, a quiet zone is one where any property within the municipality used as a hospital, retirement home, nursing home, senior citizens residence, or other similar use.
Therefore, keep in mind that quiet zones might not necessary be applicable to your neighbourhood. In fact, its very likely that you fall into residential category. Unless, your home has a senior citizen residing.
It is important to know and be aware of your local noise by-laws. In this case, always ensure you keep a journal specifying the time, and the duration of the loud noise before filing a complaint.
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