{"title":"Saanich noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","question":"What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Saanich?","slug":"noise-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/saanich","name":"Saanich","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Saanich","url":"https://www.saanich.ca"},"short_answer":"Saanich's Noise Suppression Bylaw bans noise that disturbs the neighbourhood at any hour; it sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise. Permitted building work is exempt from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. except Sundays. A bylaw notice is $300. Call Bylaw Enforcement at 250-475-5456.","aliases":["quiet hours saanich","construction noise hours saanich","loud party saanich","barking dog noise saanich","noise bylaw saanich"],"cost":"Bylaw notice $300 for disturbing the neighbourhood ($250 if paid within 14 days); $200 for a noisy animal or dog. Municipal ticket $300 within 30 days, $350 after ($200/$250 for animals). A court conviction carries a fine of at least $150.","how_long":"The general ban applies at any hour.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Saanich Bylaw Enforcement","value":"250-475-5456","note":"Monday to Friday, normal working hours"},{"type":"phone","label":"Saanich Police non-emergency (evenings and weekends)","value":"250-475-4321"},{"type":"phone","label":"Saanich Public Works (late-night crews or contractors)","value":"250-475-5599"},{"type":"phone","label":"CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services (barking dogs)","value":"250-478-0624"},{"type":"phone","label":"Saanich Business Licence (home business noise)","value":"250-475-5401"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Noise Suppression Bylaw, 1993, No. 7059 (PDF)","url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/noisesuppresionbylaw.pdf"},{"title":"Bylaw Enforcement FAQ, District of Saanich","url":"https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/bylaw-services/bylaw-enforcement-faq.html"},{"title":"Complaint Process, District of Saanich","url":"https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/bylaw-services/complaint-process.html"},{"title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2018, No. 9525 (PDF)","url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/bylawnoticeenforcementbylaw.pdf"},{"title":"Ticket Bylaw, 2010, No. 9029 (PDF)","url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/ticket-bylaw-2010-no-9029.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Saanich bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/bylaw-fines/"},{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Saanich","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Saanich building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/oak-bay","name":"Oak Bay","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/oak-bay/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/esquimalt","name":"Esquimalt","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/victoria","name":"Victoria","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/view-royal","name":"View Royal","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/central-saanich","name":"Central Saanich","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/colwood","name":"Colwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/noise-rules/"}],"topic":{"title":"Noise bylaws in British Columbia: quiet hours, construction hours and fines by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/noise-rules/"},"facts":{"general_rule":{"label":"General rule","value":"No one may make a noise or sound, on a street or anywhere in Saanich, 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 others do so on their property. Keeping an animal or bird that makes frequent or loud noise is also banned; a dog barking or howling for more than ten minutes is an objectionable noise.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/noisesuppresionbylaw.pdf","title":"Noise Suppression Bylaw, 1993, No. 7059 (PDF)","section":"ss. 2(a), 3, 4, 5","quotes":["No person shall make or cause to be made any noise or sound in or on a highway or","disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or","in excess of ten minutes is, in the opinion of Council, an objectionable noise"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"quiet_hours":{"label":"Quiet hours","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Saanich's Noise Suppression Bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise.","sources":[]},"construction_hours":{"label":"Construction hours","value":"Building work (erection, demolition, construction, alteration, repair or excavation) with a valid building permit, and street or lane excavation, is exempt from the bylaw between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day except Sunday. At other times only urgent work essential to public health, safety or protection is exempt.","short":"7 a.m. to 9 p.m., not Sundays, with building permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/noisesuppresionbylaw.pdf","title":"Noise Suppression Bylaw, 1993, No. 7059 (PDF)","section":"s. 11(e)","quotes":["provided a valid building permit has been obtained, or the excavating of any street, highway or lane","between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on each day except Sunday","if such work is essential to","the health, safety or protection of the public"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_limits":{"label":"Other limits","value":"Heat pumps and pool/hot-tub pumps in a quiet zone: max 50 decibels 7 a.m.-10 p.m., 45 decibels 10 p.m.-7 a.m. Shopping centres: 58 decibels 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Also banned: motor boats without a muffler, personal watercraft on Prospect Lake, engine brakes (except emergencies). Exempt: lawnmowers 8 a.m.-9 p.m., deliveries 6 or 7 a.m.-9 p.m. (not Sundays or statutory holidays), reasonable farm noise 7 a.m.-9 p.m.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/noisesuppresionbylaw.pdf","title":"Noise Suppression Bylaw, 1993, No. 7059 (PDF)","section":"ss. 6, 6.1, 7, 7.1, 8, 11","quotes":["in excess of 50 decibels between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on any day","or in excess of 45 decibels between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day","No person shall make noise by operating a personal water craft on Prospect Lake","exceeds 58 decibels measured at a point of reception in a Quiet Zone","The use of a lawnmower between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on any day"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact_day":{"label":"Who to call, business hours","value":"Bylaw Enforcement, 250-475-5456, Monday to Friday during normal working hours (bylaw@saanich.ca). Barking dogs and other animal noise: CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624. Home business noise: Saanich Business Licence, 250-475-5401.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/bylaw-services/bylaw-enforcement-faq.html","title":"Bylaw Enforcement FAQ, District of Saanich","section":"Bylaw enforcement FAQ","quotes":["if the noise is occurring Monday-Friday during normal working hours please contact Bylaw Enforcement at 250-475-5456","Please contact CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services at 250-478-0624","Please contact Saanich Business License at 250-475-5401"]},{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/bylaw-services/complaint-process.html","title":"Complaint Process, District of Saanich","section":"Complaint process","quotes":["- To register a general bylaw complaint, please: - call 250-475-5456, - email bylaw@saanich.ca or - complete the Report a Problem form. - To register a parking complaint, please:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact_after_hours":{"label":"Who to call, after hours","value":"Saanich Police non-emergency line, 250-475-4321, for noise in the evening or on weekends. Noise from a boat on Beaver, Elk or Prospect Lake: same number. Late-night work by Public Works crews or contractors: Saanich Public Works, 250-475-5599.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/bylaw-services/bylaw-enforcement-faq.html","title":"Bylaw Enforcement FAQ, District of Saanich","section":"Bylaw enforcement FAQ","quotes":["If the noise is occurring during evening or weekend hours please contact the Saanich Police non-emergency number at 250-475-4321","Please contact Saanich Public Works at 250-475-5599"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $300 for disturbing the neighbourhood or letting a property cause disturbances ($250 if paid within 14 days); $200 for a noisy animal or dog. Municipal ticket: $300 within 30 days, $350 after; $200/$250 for animals. A court conviction carries a fine of at least $150.","short":"Notice $300 ($250 if paid in 14 days); ticket $300","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/bylawnoticeenforcementbylaw.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2018, No. 9525 (PDF)","section":"Schedule 12","quotes":["Surcharge Discount Disturbing the neighbourhood 2 (a), 2 (b) $300.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a Owning/Occupying property 3 $300.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a","Keeping noisy animal 4 $200.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a Keeping noisy dog 5 $200.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a Operating boat without a muffler 6 (b) $300.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a"]},{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/ticket-bylaw-2010-no-9029.pdf","title":"Ticket Bylaw, 2010, No. 9029 (PDF)","section":"Schedule 12","quotes":["Disturbing the neighbourhood 2 (a), 2 (b) $300.00 $350.00","Keeping noisy dog 5 $200.00 $250.00"]},{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/noisesuppresionbylaw.pdf","title":"Noise Suppression Bylaw, 1993, No. 7059 (PDF)","section":"s. 15","quotes":["to a fine of not less than $150"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Noise Suppression Bylaw, 1993, No. 7059","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/noisesuppresionbylaw.pdf","title":"Noise Suppression Bylaw, 1993, No. 7059 (PDF)","section":"title","quotes":["NOISE SUPPRESSION BYLAW, 1993, NO. 7059"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":1,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder the [Noise Suppression Bylaw, 1993, No. 7059](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/noisesuppresionbylaw.pdf), no one may make a noise or sound, on a street or anywhere in Saanich, 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 others do so on their property. Keeping an animal or bird that makes frequent or loud noise is also banned; a dog barking or howling for more than ten minutes is an objectionable noise.\n\nThe bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise. The general ban applies at any hour.\n\n**Construction.** Building work (erection, demolition, construction, alteration, repair or excavation) with a valid building permit, and street or lane excavation, is exempt from the bylaw between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day except Sunday. At other times only urgent work essential to public health, safety or protection is exempt. Statutory holidays are not mentioned.\n\n**Other limits.** Heat pumps and pool or hot-tub pumps in a quiet zone: 50 decibels from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 45 decibels from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Also banned: motor boats without a muffler, personal watercraft on Prospect Lake, and engine brakes (except in emergencies). Exempt: lawnmowers from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; reasonable farm noise from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Daytime: call Bylaw Enforcement at 250-475-5456 (Monday to Friday) or email bylaw@saanich.ca.\n2. Evenings and weekends: call the Saanich Police non-emergency line, 250-475-4321. This includes boat noise on Beaver, Elk or Prospect Lake.\n3. Barking dogs and other animal noise: CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Disturbing the neighbourhood is a bylaw notice of $300 ($250 if paid within 14 days) or a municipal ticket of $300 within 30 days and $350 after. A noisy animal or dog is $200 as a bylaw notice, or $200/$250 as a ticket.\n- A court conviction carries a fine of at least $150.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/noisesuppresionbylaw.pdf","title":"Noise Suppression Bylaw, 1993, No. 7059 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/bylaw-services/bylaw-enforcement-faq.html","title":"Bylaw Enforcement FAQ, District of Saanich","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/bylaw-services/complaint-process.html","title":"Complaint Process, District of Saanich","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/bylawnoticeenforcementbylaw.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2018, No. 9525 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/ticket-bylaw-2010-no-9029.pdf","title":"Ticket Bylaw, 2010, No. 9029 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-06"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-06","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/noise-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/noise-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/noise-rules.json"}}