Developers allowed to break noise bylaw rules for a fee

When it comes to construction of new buildings, cities usually limit construction hours to cut down on the noise.

But it appears that Vancouver will waive those rules for a fee.

Builders can pay between $148 and $296, which allows them to work longer hours.

The city says the longer hours allow companies to wrap up construction quicker and not every project is approved for extended hours, but some residents say the policy means they get no peace or quiet.

City resident Ann Cammell lives in the West End and says her complaints to the city have gone nowhere.

“The noise is so obtrusive. It is constant, you can’t escape it, unless you leave,” she says.

Another area resident David Prokop says he has even called police to complain.

The city says builders have to prove the work cannot take place during normal hours to get the special permit.

The city of Vancouver received 803 noise complaints regarding construction over the past year.

But Vancouver is not the only city to bend the rules regarding noise bylaws. Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey all make exceptions for a fee on a case by case basis.

With files from Rumina Daya