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Noise Control Bylaw

You can download a consolidated version of the City of Vancouver's Noise Control Bylaw No. 6555c from:      
http://vancouver.ca/bylaws/6555c.PDF

The following is an interpretation that one of our members did of the Noise Control Bylaw as it relates to live music in Vancouver. It is meant as a loose guide only and should not be relied on. For the official rules, please download the actual bylaw from the link above.      

• Music in a public place is illegal unless you have permission from the mayor (3)
• The noise resulting from a gathering of two or more persons whose voice is raised is illegal if it can be heard outside the premises (4 and 4a)
• Music that can be heard outside the premises is illegal if it does not emanate from commercial premises (4 and 4b)
• In a quiet zone, the sound outside the premises must be below 55db before 10pm and below 45db after 10pm unless you have permission from the mayor (5)
• In an intermediate or activity zone, the sound outside the premises must be below 70db before 10pm and below 65db after 10pm unless you have permission from the mayor (6 and 6A)
• Music heard outside of commercial premises cannot be more than 3db above the background noise (11B)
• If the volume inside commercial premises exceeds 90 when 6.1m from the source, there must be a sound level warning sign like the one to the right (12)
• You can break any provision of this bylaw for a program, festival or special event that has been authorized by Council (14Aa)
• The fine for violating this bylaw is between $250-$2000 for the first offence and then $50 per day that the offence continues (20)