Noise pollution: noise standards in the Brussels Capital Region

Your company may be the victim of a complaint from a neighbour. In this case, an official agent from the municipality or Bruxelles Environnement (IBGE) will take measurements inside and outside your neighbour's property. If you exceed the limits, you must find solutions or face the consequences.

Noise standards in the Brussels-Capital Region

Noise standards are defined in two :

Noise standards in Brussels are defined in several legislative texts :

• when an activity or machinery requires an environmental permit;
• for the operation of a public or private establishment that broadcasts amplified sound in establishments open to the public;
• When it concerns "neighbourhood noise" not linked to an environmental permit.

More specifically, these standards are based on:

• day of the week (weekday, Saturday, Sunday, public holiday)
• time of day (day, evening, night)
• the area where the company is located. These zones are based on a map called the PRAS (regional land use plan) which sets out, among others, the predominantly residential zones, residential zones, mixed zones, high mix zones, administrative zones, industrial zones.

Noise obligations

Poorly installed, misadjusted or poorly maintained heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems or other shared facilities can be a source of noise pollution and affect the quality of life. More information on noise management by activity can be found on this overview page (FR).

 

Other legislation also relates to the issue of noise:

• the well-being at work code, which applies if you have staff 
• the police regulations in your municipal zone
• manufacturing standards for certain products (cars, mowers)

In the event of noise problems, it is possible to file a complaint in order to carry out noise measurements. Whether you are the victim or the person responsible for the noise, we recommend that you always opt for mediation.

You can find valuable information on noise by activity on the "Brussels Noise Portal".