Noise is a recurring issue in the Village, ranging from entertainment/ hospitality venues and private parties to the sounds of jollied-up patrons on their way home, often in the early hours. While such noise is an inevitable part of living in this vibrant neighbourhood, repeated disturbances can test anyone's patience. At times, intervention is necessary.

First, know the norms and rules:

Events and Permits

Any venue hosting events, such as parties or special occasions, must obtain an Events Permit from the City of Cape Town. All relevant requirements, including Health and Safety, Fire, and Noise Exemptions, must be met. These applications are generally referred to the DWCA for comment before approval; and the DWCA will always alert members to anything coming up.

Noise Regulations and By-Laws

Noise regulations apply regardless of the time of day. Whether the disturbance occurs at 2:00 PM or 2:00 AM, the City’s Noise by-laws apply:

No person shall in a public place (including streets, sidewalks, street decks, or roof decks):

(a) Cause or permit a disturbance by shouting, screaming, or making any loud or persistent noise or sound, including amplified sound.

(b) Allow noise from a private residence or business to be audible in a public place, except for public announcements or street entertainers.

It is the responsibility of establishments to comply with these regulations. They cannot shift the blame to patrons for noise disturbances.

Restrictions on Outdoor Speakers

Outdoor speakers, loud hailers, and amplified music are prohibited in or near residential areas, including: roof decks, outdoor decks and public places (streets and sidewalks). The City’s Environmental Health Department monitors and enforces these restrictions.

Recommended Protocol for Addressing Noise Nuisance

1. Speak up

Often, the culprits may not even know they’re causing a disturbance – the way sound bounces off buildings in our narrow streets may not have dawned on them. You’ll often find a simple, courteous knock on the door will solve the problem. If that doesn’t work:

2. Call the CID Van (Green Point CID)

Dial 082 214 3228. While the GPCID doesn’t have enforcement powers, it carries a form of authority and can mediate on behalf of the community.

3. Contact the City’s Law Enforcement Unit

If you need to escalate the issue, call 021 480 7700. They are supposed to attend and assess the situation; if they deem it necessary, they will take action such as issuing a fine, or giving a formal warning. In practice, they often do not arrive, reportedly because of competing priorities. But either way, you will receive a reference number via SMS.

4. Submit a CCT Noise Complaint Form

Complete the City of Cape Town Noise Complaint Form online:

1. Go to the City of Cape Town Service Request portal.

2. Click “Create Service Request.”

3. Under the GROUP option, select Law Enforcement.

4. Under the SERVICE option, select Noise Nuisance.

5. Provide a detailed description of the issue, including the address, and attach supporting documents (e.g., photos or statements).

6. Enter your contact details and submit the form.

What’s supposed to happen next (this clearly is not the case for ad hoc events such as a neighbour’s party), is that the City’s Environmental Health department will arrange to formally measure noise levels and, if limits are exceeded, issue a compliance notice.

Again, you will receive a reference number via SMS for follow-up purposes. Forward this reference number and any additional details to the DWCA.

5. Let the DWCA know what you’ve done

Send a detailed description of the complaint to the DWCA at events@dwca.co.za Please include:

• Time, date and nature of the incident(s)

• Details of the action you took (the first-stop neighbourly response)

• What happened when GPCID came around

• The time of your call to Law Enforcement, who you spoke to, what they said, and the reference number you were given

• When you submitted a formal noise complaint form, and the reference number you were given, and any follow-up

The DWCA undertakes to pick up recurring problems raised by members, and formally address these with the management of offending institutions. Please note that individual campaigns involving complaints on the part of a single member will not be picked up by DWCA.