New Zealand Standard 6803
In New Zealand, noise from most construction and maintenance, including roads, is managed in accordance with New Zealand Standard NZS 6803:1999 ‘Acoustics – Construction Noise’. The NZTA manages and minimises potentially unreasonable noise effects during state highway construction and maintenance, so far as is practicable, in accordance with this standard.
NZS 6803 provides the following guideline noise limits for construction and maintenance works. These limits apply outside neighbouring buildings; one metre from the façades and 1.2 to 1.5 metres above the relevant floor level.
| Time of week | Time period | Duration of works at a location | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| less than 14 days | less than 20 weeks | more than 20 weeks | |||||
| LAeq(t) | LAFmax | LAeq(t) | LAFmax | LAeq(t) | LAFmax | ||
| Noise limits at residential neighbours | |||||||
| Weekdays | 0630-0730 | 65 dB | 75 dB | 60 dB | 75 dB | 55 dB | 75 dB |
| 0730-1800 | 80 dB | 95 dB | 75 dB | 90 dB | 70 dB | 85 dB | |
| 1800-2000 | 75 dB | 90 dB | 70 dB | 85 dB | 65 dB | 80 dB | |
| 2000-0630 | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | |
| Saturdays | 0630-0730 | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB |
| 0730-1800 | 80 dB | 95 dB | 75 dB | 90 dB | 70 dB | 85 dB | |
| 1800-2000 | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | |
| 2000-0630 | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | |
| Sundays and public holidays | 0630-0730 | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB |
| 0730-1800 | 55 dB | 85 dB | 55 dB | 85 dB | 55 dB | 85 dB | |
| 1800-2000 | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | |
| 2000-0630 | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | 45 dB | 75 dB | |
| Noise limits at commercial/industrial neighbours | |||||||
| 0730-1800 | 80 dB | - | 75 dB | - | 70 dB | - | |
| 1800-0730 | 85 dB | - | 80 dB | - | 75 dB | - | |
For each time period there are two noise limits: an average (LAeq(t)) and a maximum (LAFmax) [acoustics terms]. For typical daytime construction lasting less than 20 weeks, the guideline limits are 75 dB LAeq(t) and 90 dB LAFmax. The LAeq(t) noise limits for works lasting less than 20 weeks are also shown on the following graph.
 NZ6803: Figure 1 |
During the day, most people tolerate higher noise levels from temporary activities, compared to permanent activities. Therefore the guideline limits for temporary work are higher. However, at night the limits are similar to those for permanent activities, to prevent sleep disturbance.
If it is necessary and justified to do construction and maintenance at night then in many locations noise limits will need to vary from the standard. The NZTA should still ensure that alternative night-time noise limits are both reasonable and practicable. Variations may also be required for specific daytime activities, particularly where neighbouring houses are immediately adjacent to the works. One situation where it may be reasonable to vary noise limits (particulalry at night) is where there is already elevated ambient noise levels.
In cases where alternative noise limits are requierd, the NZTA planners and project managers should consult with Highways and Network Operations - Professional Services. Alternative noise limits should be explicitly allowed for in the designation conditions. Consideration in advance of construction and consultation with the regulatory authority is essential to deliver workable noise limits, but still minimise noise impacts.