Noise complaints in the Western Cape are on the rise, and residents are growing increasingly frustrated at a lack of action from local government and law enforcement. According to realtors Seeff, the Western Cape has experienced a net migration of approximately 295 000 people from other provinces in recent years. This ‘semigration’ trend is the highest in the entire country and has brought rapid expansion and cowboy construction practices along with it.
Once quiet neighbourhoods are being overrun by building projects that flagrantly disrespect the law. Undocumented workers, who are happy to toil all hours of the day and night for minimal pay, are working well beyond the admissible times for legal construction. As a result, noise complaints in the Western Cape are rising rapidly. Moreover, following the deadly 2024 building collapse in George, there are serious questions around safety of these cowboy construction projects, too.
NOISE COMPLAINTS IN THE WESTERN CAPE
With this in mind, we wanted to draw attention to the ever-growing issue of noise complaints in the Western Cape. Now you can understand your rights and follow due process if you’re ever faced with a noise problem. The Western Cape’s noise disturbance regulations are governed by specific bylaws and categorise different types of noise disturbances to help residents. Understanding these categories of noise complaints in the Western Cape will ensure your issue is (hopefully) properly addressed by authorities. Noise complaints in the Western Cape fall into three following categories …
NOISE NUISANCE
A noise nuisance refers to: “Ongoing sound that unreasonably interferes with the ordinary comfort of nearby residents.” For example – incessantly barking dogs, loud music, rowdy gatherings or noisy equipment. If you’re battling with such noise complaints in the Western Cape, grab your smartphone, download a decibel app, and record the noise. If it exceeds the ambient noise level of 7dBA, you may refer it so an official can record it with specialised equipment.
NOISE DISTURBANCE
A noise disturbance is like the above, except it may occur more frequently/continuously. The following types of noises can graduate from nuisance to disturbance if they occur frequent enough:
- Amplified sound (music, PA systems).
- Industrial or mechanical noise.
- Vehicle noise (including car alarms and modified exhausts).
- Animal noise (persistent barking or crowing).
- Party, entertainment venue or gathering noise.
- Religious or cultural ceremonies.
- Generator/pneumatic equipment noise.
- Air conditioning unit noise.
- Pool pumps and garden equipment.
CONSTRUCTION RULES AND REGULATIONS
Construction noise forms its own category of noise complaints in the Western Cape due to its severity. Standard construction work is permitted from Monday to Saturday from 07h00 to 18h00. No construction may take place on Sundays and public holidays without special permission, including emergency construction. For any building-related noise complaints in the Western Cape you can call 021 401 4702 during office hours, or 021 480 7700 after hours. If repeated abuse of the law occurs, you can report it to Building Development Management (BDM).
HOW TO REPORT A NOISE COMPLAINT
To ensure your case succeeds when reporting noise complaints in the Western Cape, you must provide:
- Your full name and contact details.
- The exact address where the noise originates.
- The type of noise disturbance.
- How long it has been occurring.
- What attempts you’ve made (if any) to resolve the issue.
- Any supporting evidence (recordings, photographs).
Noise control officers must attempt to engage with the noise source to achieve voluntary compliance before issuing fines or notices. Contact the City of Cape Town:
- 24/7 Call Centre: 021 480 7700
- WhatsApp: 063 407 3699
- Email: noisecomplaints@capetown.gov.za
- Metro Police: 021 596 1999
HAVE YOU HAD A NOISE COMPLAINT SUCCESSFULLY DEALT WITH?
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