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Temporary noise permits in Zimbabwe

Upon application together with the prescribed fee, an applicant can apply for a temporary noise permit for a community event or promotion event. The requirements are set out in most of the local government by-laws and regulations, some of which include:

• Bulawayo Noise By-Laws, 1975

• Epworth (Noise) By-Laws, 2019

• City of Masvingo (Noise) By-Laws, 2025

• Chivi Rural District Council (Noise) By-Laws, 2025

• Harare (Noise) By-Laws, 2014

• Insiza Rura District Council (Noise) By-Laws, 2025

• Murewa Rural District Council (Noise) By-Laws, 2025

• Norton (Noise Control) By-Laws, 2000

• Plumtree Town (Noise) By-Laws, 2025.

No person within a council area is permitted to emit noise in excess of the emission standards prescribed in section 79 of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:07] unless they have been granted a temporary noise permit for a community event or promotional event.

A ‘community event’ includes a wedding, party, church service, awareness or any such gathering where people are likely to congregate in huge numbers. On the other hand, a ‘promotional event’ includes an event which is held in a public street, public place or in the neighbourhood to promote a business or event to a target audience. An application for a temporary noise permit in Zimbabwe is made in writing to the authorised person and should generally contain information on the following:

• Name and address or the applicant;

• Description of the event;

• Location of the event;

• Description of the source of sound and level of sound for which the temporary noise permit is sought; and

• Times of day and period of time (not in excess of six months) for which the temporary noise permit shall be granted.

Upon the granting of an application for a temporary noise permit, an applicant is required to pay such temporary noise fees as may be specified in the applicable local government by-laws.