For a person, a home is a place of solitude and tranquility, where after a working day there is an opportunity to relax, sleep at night, and on weekends enjoy a morning sleep. But, unfortunately, this does not always happen, this idyll is disturbed by noisy neighbors who have started renovations, and I do it almost around the clock, or outside the window the construction of a high-rise building does not stop for a minute.
Federal and regional legislation comes to protect citizens. Laws at the state level establish a general set of rules that everyone without exception must comply with; at the local level they are more specific and tailored to each subject of the Russian Federation individually.
Law on silence in St. Petersburg 2021 with amendments - what is it and where to find it
Federal Law 52-FZ “On the Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare of the Population” establishes only a general rule, according to which residential premises must meet the requirements and provide safe living conditions for citizens, including noise levels.
In addition, the Government in its Resolution enshrined SanPiN 2.1.2.2645-10 dated 06/10/2010. It gives an idea of the permissible volume limits and time periods when you can increase the volume. However, each subject of the Russian Federation must have its own legislation; it is there that you can set your own restrictions. Thus, Law No. 273-70 “On Administrative Offences”. Otherwise known as the law on silence in St. Petersburg, it regulates the rules that residents of an apartment building, service and construction organizations, and other legal entities must adhere to in order for the citizens of this region to feel comfortable.
It also sets the size of fines for violating noise regulations. Penalties are subdivided and their size depends on their source. Thus, the lowest sanctions are provided for citizens, slightly higher for officials and the highest for legal entities.
The official text of the law can be viewed in official sources, including on the Administration website.
Exceptions to the General Rules
These rules and liability do not apply to cases where noise is caused by:
- with crime prevention;
- with the prevention or elimination of accidents, emergencies;
- with carrying out urgent and urgent work;
- with religious, sports, cultural events (agreed with the authorities);
- with loading and removal of snow.
Read about silence laws in neighboring regions:
- in the Leningrad region;
- in the Republic of Karelia.
Basic requirements for silence in St. Petersburg, permissible noise level
In St. Petersburg, law No. 273 - 70 establishes how much noise you can make and when you need to freeze. It prohibits making loud noises from 10 pm to 8 am on weekdays and on weekends from 10 pm to noon. This interval is recognized as night time and is necessary for a person to fully rest.
Federal legislation and the Leningrad Region have determined night time to be an hour less on weekdays and two hours less on weekends. But the law does not prohibit the city from setting its own standards.
The volume of sound is measured in decibels. Acceptable noise limits are:
- during the daytime you can make noise in the range of up to 40-55 dB;
- at night the volume of sounds should not exceed 30-45 dB.
Rules for silence in an apartment building
There are no generally accepted rules. But you can gather homeowners and agree with them on something that does not go beyond the law.
In particular, at night it is expressly prohibited:
- Make loud noises from TV, karaoke, car alarms, etc.;
- Sing songs, shout, use musical installations, move objects in the apartment, etc.;
- Set off fireworks and firecrackers. An exception is made for New Year's Eve.
- Carry out construction work and loading and unloading operations. Exceptions are only for snow removal and various situations that require immediate action.
If you break these rules, you may face a fine.
According to the law in St. Petersburg, how much noise can you make and listen to music in an apartment during the day?
At night, you cannot turn on music or make other sounds, even in your apartment, that are higher than 40-45 dB. During the day you can exceed this limit, but not higher than the norm established for daytime noise and only up to 10 o’clock, after which the time will be considered “night time”.
It is worth noting that the requirements of the law apply not only to citizens living in apartment buildings, but also to private homeowners and even car owners.
Quiet hour in St. Petersburg
Quiet hour has not been officially introduced. However, some deputies are taking the initiative to amend the law and consolidate it from 13 to 15 daily. The text of the bill has not yet been approved, since there are those who disagree with it.
Many citizens, especially those with small children, need similar amendments to the law. Children need daytime sleep, and some residents of apartment buildings make loud noises during these hours, which disturbs or even scares the kids.
During the period of self-isolation and a large number of non-working days, many citizens began repairs and completely forgot about other citizens and their peace.
Sometimes quiet times are determined by the property management company or homeowners, but such arrangements will not constitute “laws.” If an agreement is violated, it may be difficult to punish the culprit.
Quiet mode on weekends
How much noise can you make in an apartment in St. Petersburg? As a general rule, the noise ban on weekends is valid from 11 pm to 10 am. Weekends are Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays. Moreover, the law speaks not only about apartments, but also about construction sites, noisy industries or repair work on city streets.
The silence regime in St. Petersburg established slightly different rules. It turns out that the regime begins to operate on Friday evening, namely from 10 o’clock until 12 noon on Saturday . Similar rules apply to official holidays.
Exceptions to the General Rules
Of course, there are life situations when it is not possible to freeze and not make noise. There must be serious reasons for this, and they are prescribed by the legislator:
- The night when the whole country celebrates the New Year, it is allowed to set off fireworks and firecrackers from 11 a.m. on December 31 to 4 a.m. on January 1.
- Loading and removal of snow is permitted at night.
- Elimination of offenses during emergencies and other situations that require immediate action for personal and public well-being.
- During religious holidays and cultural and sports events.
This list does not provide for other exceptions; it is closed. In all other cases, liability is provided for violation of silence.
Harm
Prolonged noise, loud, sharp sounds have a very negative impact on people's health. To feel comfortable, most of the time a person should be in a calm environment. From Monday to Friday, on weekdays this is especially difficult.
Loud music in neighbors' apartment
Staying in silence becomes more difficult, especially for those who live in large cities. Due to population density, the need to increase the number of highways and additional construction of large facilities has increased significantly.
Unfortunately, the negative impact of noise is not felt immediately, but after some time. This entails serious consequences affecting human health.
Noise can have a negative impact on both a person’s well-being and the body as a whole. Loud sounds can trigger panic attacks, headaches and dizziness, insomnia, decreased hearing, increased blood pressure, nervousness, and also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Elderly people and children are particularly vulnerable.
Dream
Therefore, following the law, it is necessary to know in advance the hours and mode of silence in the subject. It is necessary for every resident of apartments in an apartment building to read the resolution interpreting the time of silence in St. Petersburg. It will be especially useful to know this regulatory act for those who like to make noise in apartment buildings.
Peculiarities
In order to avoid health problems associated with loud sounds, you need to periodically study the noise level. There are certain standards of sound vibrations that are safe for people, measured in decibels. Their measurements at the official level are carried out by specialists from Rospotrebnadzor.
Drilling the wall
Do not forget that we ourselves can be the source of noise, causing harm to others. If you are planning to carry out repair work at home, you should familiarize yourself in detail with the law on silence in a given region, which contains all the necessary standards. Their implementation should not cause difficulties.
Rules for carrying out noisy repair work in an apartment building in St. Petersburg
There is a period of time during which the noise level may not be maintained. For example, you can start renovating your apartment.
Article 38 of Law No. 273-70 of May 31, 2010 establishes the basic regulations. Compliance with the conditions is mandatory.
So, before carrying out repair work, it is necessary to agree on a schedule for its implementation. It is agreed upon with an authorized person. Who has the right to approve the schedule is chosen at a general meeting of homeowners; it can also be the management company.
Violating the agreement or starting work without it at all means non-compliance with the law, which means you may receive a warning or such a citizen may be fined one or two thousand rubles.
It is best to print out the schedule and post it on a notice board so that everyone can see it.
However, if the work is short-term and lasts no more than one hour and is not associated with damage to common property, then it is allowed to make noise without a schedule.
There are cases to which the law does not apply. For example, in new buildings, in the first year and a half, repairs are allowed even during prohibited hours. This is due to the fact that having bought a new apartment, you want to quickly finish the renovations and move into your home.
What time can noisy repair work be carried out in St. Petersburg?
From Monday to Friday, it is allowed to operate a hammer drill and a drill from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. But this does not mean that work should continue continuously.
It is advisable to draw up the schedule in such a way as to satisfy all neighbors. In particular, there should be breaks for lunch and quiet time so that newborn children can rest. To do this, it is advisable to communicate with the other residents of the house and take into account their wishes.
Noisy work on weekends in St. Petersburg (from the beginning to the end you can make noise, drill, work with a hammer drill)
On a day off, the morning should not begin with the noise of a drill and hammer drill. Therefore, it is allowed to work with these tools from 12 noon to 22 o’clock. Of course, if such a schedule is agreed upon.
Repair work during holidays
The same rules apply to holidays as for weekends. The law prohibits repair work from 8 to 12 am on red days of the calendar. And it provides for liability in the form of a warning or a fine.
Repair work during quarantine in St. Petersburg
Unfortunately, declared non-working days are not holidays or “weekends” by law. Therefore, nothing changes, and from Monday to Friday you can make noise from 8 am. For some, the period of self-isolation became the reason to start repairs, while for other citizens it became a hindering factor.
Many Russians have switched to remote work; they are naturally disturbed by the constant sounds of their neighbors’ renovations.
Temporary restrictions
At the federal level, “night” is considered to be the time from 23:00 to 7:00, but regional authorities are allowed to increase this period in order to protect citizens from noise exposure. So, for St. Petersburg residents, according to local law, night begins at 22-00 and ends at 8-00. During this time, it is prohibited to disturb neighbors by noisy activities: watching TV shows at high volume, listening to loud music, repair work using loud equipment, playing the piano or button accordion, etc.
Where to call and complain if neighbors are noisy and violate the law on silence
Unfortunately, residents are not informed about where to go or what number to call in order for violators to be fined or at least given a warning that they are violating the order.
It is a mistake to think that only a police officer can bring noisy neighbors to justice. The Law, Order and Security Committee under the executive branch of government is now called upon to resolve this issue and conduct similar cases.
However, you can first contact the police. This can be done either by telephone or by sending an application by mail to the local police officer. The district police officer is obliged to take explanations from both sides, collect available evidence and then transfer the case to the municipal committee.
At night
At this time of day, when noisy residents interfere with a restful sleep, you need to call the police. The police must respond to such a call within an hour to eliminate the offense and restore law and order.
In addition, if troublemakers behave unpolitely and aggressively, they may be taken to the police station.
During the day
During the daytime, you can call the district police officer authorized to resolve such issues. In such cases, it is better to write a collective statement, inviting several more neighbors as witnesses.
Of course, it is imperative to measure the noise level and present this as evidence. The noise can be recorded on audio or video, and the testimony of witnesses who are also bothered by it can be collected.
If after several applications there are no changes or the district police officer does not identify and eliminate the offense, then you can go to civil court. The court will consider the case on its merits.
Where to complain about noise near your home
As already mentioned, you can call the police and the local police officer. If the situation is urgent and requires an immediate solution and it is necessary to identify the fact of violation.
If there is construction work near the house and it does not stop at night, then you can contact Rospotrebnadzor with a complaint.
There is also the possibility of online appeal on the website of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region (just call 02 or 102...) or on the website of the Committee on Legality, Law and Order and Security. If all these services are inactive, then you can leave your complaint at the electronic reception desk of the St. Petersburg Administration.
Peculiarities
The Law on Silence in St. Petersburg 2021 does not provide for “quiet hour”. But babies and old people need a break for sleep and rest during the day. Such amendments to the law in St. Petersburg are discussed regularly, but have not yet been adopted.
Often, residents of apartments in apartment buildings do not understand where to complain about illegal violation of peace: noise, loud music, repairs and drilling of walls.
Moreover, protocols for disturbing the peace in St. Petersburg can only be drawn up by employees of the law and order committee. The police do not have the right to record such administrative cases.
Subtleties of the law
However, if your neighbors are making noise, playing loud music and keeping you awake at night, you should call the police. It is the police who have every right under the law to suppress such offenses.
Loud guitar playing
When neighbors and apartment guests constantly swear and make noise, disturbing the peace and quiet, you can write a statement to the local inspector. He will pay a visit to the troubled residents of the house to clarify and eliminate further violations of the law.
How to negotiate with a silence breaker
Before taking any drastic measures, peaceful methods should be used to solve the problem. Go and chat with neighbors who, in your opinion, are violating the law of silence.
Perhaps these people don't even know what is disturbing your peace of mind. Try to tell them the whole situation and about the law they are breaking.
And only after the actions have been taken and if they do not lead to results, call the police and write a statement.
Here's a video about how to quiet noisy neighbors.
Force majeure and silence
When clearing snow at night, equipment often makes noise under the windows of houses in St. Petersburg. This can interfere with proper rest. But, unfortunately, nothing can be done here. You can patiently wait for the cleaning to finish and then lie down to rest in silence.
Evening city
The same thing happens during the actions of the Ministry of Emergency Situations in case of man-made disasters. The noise can come from everywhere. However, this does not contradict the law of St. Petersburg, and you need to patiently wait for the completion of work at any time of the day or night.
Also, the silence of the Ministry of Internal Affairs vehicles that are involved in special operations is often disturbed. Such noise is usually short-lived and quickly fades away.
Fire crews can also disturb the peace and quiet of citizens. They rush, turning on flashing lights and sirens, to eliminate fires and fires. It is difficult to imagine today's life without their help.
Committee on Noise and Silence of St. Petersburg: what is it and how can you write a complaint to it
In accordance with Art. 51 of Law No. 273-70, you can complain about noise violations to the Law, Order and Security Committee. It is he who has the right to draw up a protocol on an administrative offense and fine violators.
An appeal can be submitted on the official website of the Committee www.letters.gov.spb.ru. You will first need to fill out a form, indicating the necessary information about the applicant. You will need to provide a correct email address to which a response regarding the results of the application review will be sent.
You can write an application and send it by mail. Address for written correspondence: St. Petersburg, Kondratievsky Prospekt, 40, building 13.
Thus, it is not at all necessary to visit the Committee itself to submit an application; this can be done in any convenient way.
Measuring the noise level in an apartment: cost
If you still can’t come to an agreement with your neighbors or the organization that is developing your new area, or you simply don’t know where the constant extraneous sounds are coming from in your apartment, then you can use the services of companies that measure the noise level.
There are quite a lot of companies that can provide this service for a fee.
Rospotrebnadzor provides free consultation on this issue. In addition, they have special laboratories and all the necessary equipment for measuring sound levels.
At the request of citizens, a specialist with special equipment comes to the apartment and takes measurements.
The prices for such services vary greatly. Thus, a home visit by an employee costs from 900 rubles, the actual examination will cost from 10,000 rubles and will be calculated individually.
Is it possible and where can I rent a sound level meter in St. Petersburg?
Due to the relevance of this issue, there is an offer on the service market for renting sound level meters. But you need to know how to use it correctly. You can find such companies on the Internet. To choose the best one, it is best to call and ask everything in detail. And then choose the most optimal one and conclude a lease agreement.
Here it is necessary to understand that the device itself is not enough. There must be all the necessary equipment to record the testimony, otherwise it will not be possible to use his testimony as evidence. However, as judicial practice shows, in any case it is advisable to hire a licensed surveyor.
Fine for violating silence in St. Petersburg
According to the latest edition of the Law on Silence in St. Petersburg, people making loud noises are subject to financial punishment. There is a regulated system of fines for individuals, officials and legal entities.
If the violation occurred for the first time, then you can limit yourself to a warning. If you break the law again, you will have to bear responsibility for:
- For exceeding the norm established by law and loud sounds, such as whistling, singing, TV, musical installations and others, a fine for citizens is from 500 to 5000 rubles, for persons performing official duties, it is significantly higher from 25,000 to 50,000 rubles, for organizations from 50,000 to 200,000 rub.
- For repairs at the wrong time, residents can pay 3-5 thousand rubles, performing duties will be punished by 25-50 thousand, companies by 250,000 - 500,000.
- For construction at night, a fine of 5 thousand citizens, 25-50 thousand officials and 500,000-1000,000 rubles for organizations is required.
It's worth thinking before you make noise. Perhaps it is better to maintain order and respect the peace of other citizens!
Federal rules
In the Russian Federation there are general standards for permissible noise according to SanPiN. Together with the Russian silence law 52-FZ, they determine the standards for silence time for residential apartment buildings.
Average values
According to the law, during the daytime (7-23) in the apartment building the noise level cannot be higher than 55 dB. In the area adjacent to the house - 70 dB. At night (23-7) – 45 and 60 dB for home and street.
Subjects have the right to change the hours of silence, which they use.
Judicial appeal against unlawful actions of a neighbor
You can go to court if all the evidence has been collected. To consider a case, a judge needs properly collected evidence so that it is admissible and can be relied upon when making a lawful decision.
First you need to try to peacefully resolve the conflict. Then interview other neighbors and record their testimony in writing; you can collectively write a complaint and collect signatures. Next, contact the police or the local police officer and the Law and Order and Security Committee. If it doesn’t work, then you can go to court and attach all the statements that were sent to all these authorities.
Most likely, the court will make a positive decision, oblige the violators to pay a fine and collect legal costs and compensation for moral damage.
Requirements for sound insulation of a building, interior and inter-apartment walls
The generally accepted opinion is that the overlap of inter-apartment walls should be at least 100-150 mm. To soundproof rooms, reinforced concrete floors of at least 160 mm are required. But it’s better if it’s thicker, then the likelihood of not hearing extraneous sounds increases.
The thickness of the walls in the room can be 100 mm. The material that builders use is important. To improve sound insulation, a material without cavities inside is better suited.
In addition, seams and joints between slabs or blocks must be sealed. And according to the standards, the gaps should be minimized as much as possible. Cracks in ceilings are not allowed.
But the above are wishes. But in practice, open SNIP SP 51.13330.2011, this is a multi-page document that talks about sound insulation standards in every detail! There are specific requirements for windows, for laying heating pipes, and for inter-apartment walls.
How to protect yourself from noise
In general, before purchasing an apartment, you should request documentation from the developer, including in order to see what material the walls are made of and their thickness.
When inspecting the apartment, pay attention to the grouting of seams and cracks between the floors, and to the absence of cracks in the walls. If the apartment has been remodeled or is planned, then pay attention to the noise zones in the apartment.
Noise protection headphones
In general, noise is harmful to health. To protect yourself from it, you can buy headphones. They will make loud sounds comfortable to the ear.
The earcups are filled with noise-absorbing material and fit snugly to your ears.
