Township of Severn has seen an increase in short-term rental properties within the municipality. This has led to a larger volume of complaints from residents regarding issues such as excessive noise, open-air burning, parking, property standards, littering and fireworks.
Through meetings with council, the creation of a noise by-law was selected as a priority to help address these concerns. Township staff completed a review of external municipal by-laws to determine the best approach and options for enforcement in Severn. On March 2, Council enacted a noise by-law that applies to all lands and persons in the township.
The noise by-law is available on the township’s website at severn.ca/bylaws and regulates certain noise in the township, including:
- No discharge of a firearm or gun (does not apply to crown land):
- Monday to Thursday between 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day
- Friday to Sunday between 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day
- No operation of a stereo system, electronic sound-emitting devices, radios, boom boxes:
- Monday to Thursday between 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day
- Friday to Sunday between 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day
- No operation of any construction vehicle or construction equipment:
- Monday to Thursday between 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day
- Friday to Sunday between 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day
- No operation of power or lawn maintenance equipment between 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day
- No excessive noise
You can also visit the by-laws page to file a complaint.
When reporting an issue or making a complaint, the township asks that you please include your name, phone number and address along with a description of the by-law infraction. Anonymous complaints will not be investigated. Severn encourages all residents and guests to respect the bylaw and to be considerate of their neighbours and of others.
Exemptions to the noise by-law may be considered. If you would like to request an exemption, please contact Alison at clerk@severn.ca.