Sound control

In New Zealand, noise and vibration impacts are controlled through regulation and insurance requirements. This applies to the elements of the completed building and to the construction process.

Legislation (RMA) and district plans

Councils manage the impacts of noise through their district plans. Noise zones are set up, and anything outside the rules for a particular zone must has consent.

A 'noisy' activity like a childcare centre may get consent to occur in a 'quiet' zone so long as it has adequate soundproofing and operates within certain hours of the day. Also, a residential building may be allowed in a 'noisy' zone provided it has the right level of insulation and soundproofing.

Read this general overview of how New Zealand legislation and regulation relates to sound control in New Zealand.

Regulatorynoise.nz Environmental Noise: Environmental noise

Standards (commonly used in New Zealand)

• NZS 6801:2008 Acoustics – Measurement of Environmental Sound
• NZS 6802:2008 Acoustics – Environmental noise
• NZS 6803:1999 Acoustics – Construction Noise
• DIN 4150-3:1999 Structural vibration – Effects of vibration on structures