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Noise

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Construction noise

In order for Auckland city to become a great place to work and live, demolition, construction and redevelopment work needs to occur. However, this type of activity needs to be controlled by Auckland City Council to ensure that the noise generated is at a reasonable level and occurs at a reasonable time.

If you are going to be doing any noisy construction work, it is important to check your resource consent for any extra conditions such as restrictions on hours of operation.

Construction work includes the erection, installation, repair, maintenance, painting and demolition of almost anything. It includes site preparation and earthmoving, and the use of any plant or tools.

• Permitted noise levels
• Examples of noise equipment and levels (dBA)
• Emergency construction work

Permitted noise levels

The permitted noise levels are different for the central business district (CBD). This reflects the regions mixed use. The central city or CBD area is bounded by the Northern Motorway, Grafton Road and Stanley Street and The Strand.

Construction work inside the CBD
* L10 at any property
Monday to Friday	6.30 am to 10.30 pm	75 dBA
Saturday	7am to 11pm	80 dBA
Sunday	9am to 7pm	65 dBA
All Other Times		60 dBA

 

Construction work outside the CBD
* L10 at any property
Monday to Friday	7.30 am to 6.00 pm	75 dBA
	6pm to 8pm	70 dBA
Saturday	7.30 am to 6pm	75 dBA
Sundays and public holidays	Noisy construction is not permitted
Note: Noisy construction work is not permitted before 7.30am on any day

*L₁₀ - A noise level which can only be exceeded for 10 per cent of the time. For example *L₁₀ 75 dBA means that over a 30 minutes period, the noise may only go above 75 dBA for 3 minutes.

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Examples of noise equipment and levels (dBA)

Examples of noise equipment and levels in (dBA)
140	Pneumatic rock breaker
120	Compactor
110	Fork lift truck
105	20 tonne dump truck
95	Oxyacetylene welder
80	Electric drill (1 metre)
75	Loud radio
60	Department store

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Emergency construction work

Auckland City may grant permission for construction work to occur outside these times or levels, if emergency works are necessary, or work cannot be completed during normal working hours because of public safety or traffic hazards. 

If you have special permission to work outside the permitted hours it is advisable to notify any residents who may be affected by noise about the times and days of operation and give them an on-site contact phone number.

Minimise noise travelling from the site by ensuring stereos on-site don't add to the noise levels.

More on being a good neighbour when carrying out building work on your property.

Reviewed November 2008