Noise nuisance exemption
A noise exemption for construction work, demolition work, company parties or music on a terrace. Apply for the exemption at least 6 weeks, before you need the permit.
Applying for exemption on behalf of a foundation, association or someone else?
Log in using your own DigiD or e-herkenning. In the form, you can indicate on whose behalf you are applying.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply for an exemption online?
Download and complete the Noise Exemption Application form. Send the form to vergunningen@leeuwarden.nl or hand it in at the Town Hall. Do not add this form as an attachment in the Environment Desk.
When do you apply for a noise nuisance exemption?
Noise within companies
For example, for an anniversary or company party. Apply for an exemption if you want to make more noise on one occasion than what is allowed according to the noise standards.
Noise during works (construction, maintenance or demolition)
Are you going to make noise during construction, demolition or maintenance work? Then the following rules apply:
- You are only allowed to make noise from Monday to Saturday between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
- You may not make more noise than stated in the table:
| Current value | ≤60 dB(A) | >60 dB(A) | 65 dB(A) | >70 dB(A) | >75 dB(A) | >80 dB(A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| maximum exposure duration on the facade of a residential function, meeting function for childcare, healthcare function or educational function, or on the border of a noise-sensitive area | unlimited | 50 days | 30 days | 15 days | 5 days | 0 days |
Do you want to make noise (for a longer period of time)? Or at a different time than is permitted? Then you can request a tailor-made prescription. You must be able to prove that it is necessary to only carry out the work at those times or to make more noise.
You can request a tailor-made regulation via the Environment Desk. Search for ‘custom-made prescription’ and select the application form ‘Request a customized prescription from the municipality, the central government or the province – Request a customized prescription (State)’.
Music on terraces at a catering establishment
Apply for an exemption. You must comply with the noise standards. To substantiate your application, you must have an acoustic study carried out. No exemption is possible without an acoustic report. For King’s Day (27 April) and Liberation Day (5 May), you do need an exemption but do not have to have an acoustic study carried out.
Noise standards
Noise standards during normal operations
| Noise standards Activities Decree | Between 7 am and 7 pm | Between 7 am and 11 pm | Between 11 pm and 7 am |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term average assessment level at the façade of sensitive buildings | 50 dB(A) | 45 dB(A) | 40 dB(A) |
| Long-term average assessment level in an adjacent building | 35 dB(A) | 30 dB(A) | 25 dB(A) |
The noise level is measured and assessed according to the Manual for measuring and calculating industrial noise 1999 at the facade of noise-sensitive buildings.
Noise standards during a festivity with noise exemption
| Noise standards Activities Decree | Between 7 am and 7 pm | Between 7 am and 11 pm | Between 11 pm and 7 am |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term average assessment level at the façade of sensitive buildings | 60 dB(A) | 55 dB(A) | 50 dB(A) |
| Long-term average assessment level in an adjacent building | 45 dB(A) | 40 dB(A) | 35 dB(A) |
The noise level is measured and assessed according to the Manual for measuring and calculating industrial noise 1999 at the facade of noise-sensitive buildings.
Noise at events in public spaces
Do you want to use sound equipment? Apply for an exemption. More information and the application form can be found on the page Organising an event.
Charges
- A noise nuisance exemption costs € 80.22 per day. This is capped at € 464.57 per exemption.
- A noise exemption for an entire calendar year costs € 556.25.
Laws and regulations
The following laws can be found on the website Overheid.nl (national):
- Environmental Management Act
- Building Works Decree living environment
- Activities Decree Environmental Management
The following regulations can be found on the website Overheid.nl (local):
- General Municipal Bylaw
- General Municipal Bylaw, Article 2.29
Applying for exemption on behalf of a foundation, association or someone else?
Log in using your own DigiD or e-herkenning. In the form, you can indicate on whose behalf you are applying.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply for an exemption online?
Download and complete the Noise Exemption Application form. Send the form to vergunningen@leeuwarden.nl or hand it in at the Town Hall. Do not add this form as an attachment in the Environment Desk.
When do you apply for a noise nuisance exemption?
Noise within companies
For example, for an anniversary or company party. Apply for an exemption if you want to make more noise on one occasion than what is allowed according to the noise standards.
Noise during works (construction, maintenance or demolition)
Are you going to make noise during construction, demolition or maintenance work? Then the following rules apply:
- You are only allowed to make noise from Monday to Saturday between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
- You may not make more noise than stated in the table:
| Current value | ≤60 dB(A) | >60 dB(A) | 65 dB(A) | >70 dB(A) | >75 dB(A) | >80 dB(A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| maximum exposure duration on the facade of a residential function, meeting function for childcare, healthcare function or educational function, or on the border of a noise-sensitive area | unlimited | 50 days | 30 days | 15 days | 5 days | 0 days |
Do you want to make noise (for a longer period of time)? Or at a different time than is permitted? Then you can request a tailor-made prescription. You must be able to prove that it is necessary to only carry out the work at those times or to make more noise.
You can request a tailor-made regulation via the Environment Desk. Search for ‘custom-made prescription’ and select the application form ‘Request a customized prescription from the municipality, the central government or the province – Request a customized prescription (State)’.
Music on terraces at a catering establishment
Apply for an exemption. You must comply with the noise standards. To substantiate your application, you must have an acoustic study carried out. No exemption is possible without an acoustic report. For King’s Day (27 April) and Liberation Day (5 May), you do need an exemption but do not have to have an acoustic study carried out.
Noise standards
Noise standards during normal operations
| Noise standards Activities Decree | Between 7 am and 7 pm | Between 7 am and 11 pm | Between 11 pm and 7 am |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term average assessment level at the façade of sensitive buildings | 50 dB(A) | 45 dB(A) | 40 dB(A) |
| Long-term average assessment level in an adjacent building | 35 dB(A) | 30 dB(A) | 25 dB(A) |
The noise level is measured and assessed according to the Manual for measuring and calculating industrial noise 1999 at the facade of noise-sensitive buildings.
Noise standards during a festivity with noise exemption
| Noise standards Activities Decree | Between 7 am and 7 pm | Between 7 am and 11 pm | Between 11 pm and 7 am |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term average assessment level at the façade of sensitive buildings | 60 dB(A) | 55 dB(A) | 50 dB(A) |
| Long-term average assessment level in an adjacent building | 45 dB(A) | 40 dB(A) | 35 dB(A) |
The noise level is measured and assessed according to the Manual for measuring and calculating industrial noise 1999 at the facade of noise-sensitive buildings.
Noise at events in public spaces
Do you want to use sound equipment? Apply for an exemption. More information and the application form can be found on the page Organising an event.
Charges
- A noise nuisance exemption costs € 80.22 per day. This is capped at € 464.57 per exemption.
- A noise exemption for an entire calendar year costs € 556.25.
Laws and regulations
The following laws can be found on the website Overheid.nl (national):
- Environmental Management Act
- Building Works Decree living environment
- Activities Decree Environmental Management
The following regulations can be found on the website Overheid.nl (local):
- General Municipal Bylaw
- General Municipal Bylaw, Article 2.29