Plan a renovation without checking the noise rules and your neighbours will check them for you. Hours differ from city to city, and in some cities they differ by day and by who is doing the work. Here is what four Metro Vancouver cities say. This is general information, not legal advice. Check your city's page and bylaw before you plan work.
Vancouver
The City of Vancouver's Noise Control By-law (Section 16) says construction related noise is permitted:
| Day | On private property | On city streets, lanes and boulevards |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:30 am to 8 pm | 7 am to 8 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am to 8 pm | 7 am to 8 pm |
| Sunday or holiday | Not permitted | 10 am to 8 pm |
The City says that outside these hours, construction noise is allowed only with a noise by-law exception permit. Its definition of construction includes demolition, excavating, earth moving, concrete pouring and the installation, alteration or removal of construction equipment, components and materials.
Burnaby
Burnaby's Noise Bylaw No. 7332 says no construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, landscaping or demolition can occur Monday to Friday between 8 pm and 7 am, Saturday between 8 pm and 9 am, or on Sundays and statutory holidays. There is an exception for residence alteration or repair by the owner, occupier or a contractor between 9 am and 8 pm on Sundays and statutory holidays. At any time, continuous construction noise should not exceed 85 dBA measured at least 15.2 metres from the source.
Surrey
Surrey's Noise Control Bylaw permits construction noise between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, including statutory holidays. No construction for profit or gain is permitted on Sunday. The City says that means property owners can do construction work on Sunday on their own property but cannot hire any trades to do it.
Richmond
Richmond's Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 8856 permits construction noise on weekdays that are not holidays between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm, and on Saturdays that are not holidays between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm. On Sundays and holidays, work is permitted from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm only if it is connected with a residential building and done personally by the owner or occupier. The City says construction sites and crews may not work then. Temporary noise exemption permits exist for some activities.
Planning a bin around the hours
A renovation bin has noise at both ends. A truck drops it off, and then the demolition and loading begin. A few habits matter:
- Match your loading to the hours above. Heavy demolition at 8 am on a Saturday in Vancouver, for example, is outside the hours for private property.
- Ask for a delivery window that avoids early morning, especially if the bin goes on a narrow street.
- Tell neighbours when the bin and the noisy work are coming.
- Know your city. Some cities treat Sundays differently for owners and contractors.
We drop it off, you fill it, and we haul it off when you are done. Putting the bin on your driveway takes no permit. A street or lane spot is different, since some cities need a permit for it. Confirm with your City before you book. We set delivery for any permit dates. See our renovation debris page and our residential services page.
FAQ
What are the construction hours in Vancouver? On private property, 7:30 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 8 pm Saturday. None on Sundays or holidays.
Can I renovate on Sundays in Burnaby? Burnaby's page says residence alteration or repair by the owner, occupier or a contractor is allowed between 9 am and 8 pm on Sundays and statutory holidays.
Can I hire a contractor on Sunday in Surrey? No. Surrey says no construction for profit or gain is permitted on Sunday.
Can I get a permit for work outside the hours? Vancouver offers a noise by-law exception permit and Richmond a Temporary Noise Exemption Permit.