Construction noise
Construction site operators, owner-builders and public authority developments must comply with noise-restriction regulations under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. Some are regulated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) (mostly public authority works) and others (local development) by council.
Premises conducting scheduled activities must hold an environment protection licence through which the EPA applies appropriate noise control conditions. Councils can also control noise through conditions determined by them as part of development consent, issued under the planning legislation.
Guidance on acceptable levels of noise from construction activities is provided in the NSW Interim Construction Noise Guideline.
Hours
The hours for construction work are specified in the development application. For information about hours for a specific construction project or to lodge a complaint, contact the local council.
The NSW Interim Construction Noise Guideline includes recommended standard hours. However, they are not mandatory and more or less stringent construction hours may be approved by the local council depending on the situation.
| Work type | Recommended standard hours of work |
| Normal construction | Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm Saturday 8 am to 1 pm No work on Sundays or public holidays |
| Blasting | Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm Saturday 9 am to 1 pm No blasting on Sundays or public holidays |
Noise from home renovations
Noise from power tools and equipment (including electric and battery operated tools) that can be heard in any habitable rooms of a neighbouring residence must cease during certain times: 8 pm to 8 am on Sundays and public holidays, and 8 pm to 7 am on weekdays and Saturdays.