Merritt noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines

What are the noise rules and quiet hours?

Merritt, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

How it works

Section 7 of the Good Neighbour Bylaw 2387 says no one in the City of Merritt may make, cause or allow noise or sound, on a highway or anywhere in the City, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or people nearby. Owners and occupiers must not let their property be used that way. The bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours and no decibel limit, so enforcement depends on whether the noise disturbs others.

Rules

• Construction noise that disturbs is banned on any day before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. There is no separate Sunday or holiday rule. The Director of Engineering and Development may approve work outside those hours if you apply at least 48 hours ahead.
• Animals: animal or bird cries that unduly disturb the neighbourhood are banned.
• Engine brakes are banned, except in an emergency.
• Public address systems or megaphones need a City permit.
• Exempt: emergency work, City, provincial and utility maintenance, emergency vehicles, and noise normal to a lawful trade in commercial or industrial zones.

Good to know

• To complain, use the Report a Bylaw Infraction form (category Noise) or call Bylaw Services at 250-378-4224 ext. 216. Give your name and address.
• The City page does not state an after-hours bylaw or noise line. For crimes or emergencies call the RCMP (911, or 250-378-4262 non-emergency).
• Bylaw notices under Bylaw 2424: $200 for disturbing noise or construction noise outside permitted hours ($150 if paid within 14 days, $250 after 28 days); $100 for animal or bird noise ($75 within 14 days, $125 after 28 days).