FAQs about noise and vibration

The night time noise limit of 35 dB LA10 which applies in the residential zones is restrictive when compared with the World Health Organisation Guidelines and the relevant New Zealand Noise Standard which recommend a limit of 45 dBA Leq to allow occupants to sleep with windows open. The recently reviewed Christchurch and Ashburton District Plans have
adopted limits of 40 dB Leq.

The day time noise limit of 60 dB LA10 which applies in the Rural Zone is higher and more lenient than the limit recommended by the World Health Organisation Guidelines, the relevant New Zealand Noise Standard and other neighbouring districts.

Current noise limit isn’t adequate to protect outdoor living spaces associated with dwellings and so a lower limit is proposed. However, a lower limit also needs to ensure that rural production isn’t compromised.

The current District Plan already has specific noise rules to manage activities which are known to generate high levels of noise and which require management beyond the general noise rules that apply in each zone. We’re now going to work with the New Zealand Defence Force on amendments to the current noise rules related to temporary military training activities. Changes are also proposed to better manage noise associated with aircraft movements, especially helicopters, which is becoming a more widespread activity across the district.
Other potential changes being considered include whether to retain a noise rule for powered water craft, and potential changes to the audible bird scaring devices rules to make them clearer and easier to interpret.

There are currently no rules in the Plan which manage noise from rifle ranges, quarrying, powered motor sport and frost fans. These are all activities which can generate significant levels of noise and so the need for specific rules other than the general zone noise rules is proposed to be considered further.

There is a need to consider the noise rules as a package across the zones, including the actual limits that apply to each zone and where the limits are to be measured, and the need to not undermine the purpose and activities anticipated and encouraged within each zone.

Aside from the actual noise limits and where they are measured, there are other measures available to manage noise and reverse sensitivity effects between incompatible zones and activities. These include, for example, buffer areas or setbacks, placing restrictions on dwelling numbers and densities and other sensitive development, requiring acoustic insulation of new buildings, requiring noise barriers between activities and even developing special zones for particular activities to protect
their ongoing operation and development. How this issue is managed is now subject to further consideration and feedback from both stakeholders and public consultation to ensure a consistent and effective approach across the whole district.

It’s anticipated that the proposed rules for certain specific activities would affect owners and operators of existing and proposed rifle ranges, quarries, powered motor sport operations and frost fans as these activities aren’t currently specifically managed (only the general Rural Zone noise limits apply). We plan to work with affected parties, where possible, on the development of any new noise rules affecting them.

Additionally, certain landowners, residents and businesses may be affected by how noise is managed between different zones, especially between industrial and rural, and business and residential properties.

For more information about the Council’s preferred option for draft changes to noise and vibration, and all the work done to date as part of the review visit Council website(External link) where all the reports developed for the District Plan Review are kept.