Vernon Noise Bylaw Review
- Apr 19
- 2 min read
Vernon Councillor Calls for Review of Good Neighbour Bylaw Over Noise Complaints
April 19 2026 - Vernon City Councillor Akbal Mund is urging city staff to review the municipality’s Good Neighbour Bylaw, arguing that current noise regulations are too subjective and open to arbitrary enforcement.
During council inquiries at the April 13 meeting, Mund shared a story relayed to him by friends who received a bylaw warning after neighbours complained about them chatting in their backyard hot tub at 7 p.m. on a Friday night.
He suggested the incident highlights how the bylaw’s broad “disturbs or tends to disturb” standard can lead to complaints based more on personal dislike than on excessive or unreasonable noise.
Mund questioned whether what constitutes a noise violation in Vernon is based on objective evidence.
He pointed to the neighbouring District of Coldstream, which uses a decibel meter and established sound-level thresholds to determine violations, calling for Vernon to consider a similar measurable approach.
City Director of Protective Services Kevin Poole explained that Vernon does not have a standalone noise bylaw. Instead, noise rules are included in the broader Good Neighbour Bylaw #4980, which also covers issues such as street nuisances, panhandling, boat noise, and property maintenance.
Poole noted that the current framework is intended to allow residents to enjoy the peace and quiet of their backyards, but staff indicated they are open to exploring Mund’s request and will bring further information back to council.
With summer approaching and more backyard activity expected, Mund suggested clearer, objective standards could reduce unnecessary complaints and make enforcement more consistent.
The councillor’s request has now been referred to administration for review.
Vernon Noise Bylaw Review
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