Residential construction includes building:
- apartments
- townhouses
- houses
- mixed-use developments.
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970, any unreasonable noise coming from a residence, at any time of day, is an offence. This law also applies to all residential construction sites. Construction noise can be unreasonable if it goes on for too long or is excessive under the circumstances.
Managing residential construction noise
You should take reasonable steps to reduce noise from residential construction. Ways to manage construction noise include:
- restricting work and vehicle movements to normal working hours
- scheduling noisy activities to less sensitive times
- advising neighbours of noisy activities
- providing signs with contact details for builder or project manager
- using the lowest noise equipment or technique to do the job
- site and car radios – keep radios close to workers, and at a lower volume.
Learn more about the different working hours and requirements you need to comply with, by residential construction type.
Read more about construction noise
Noise guidance for business: Commercial construction
Reviewed 19 January 2021