Noise Nuisance Exemption Loading and Unloading Trucks
Many municipalities restrict the times when trucks may load and unload goods to prevent noise nuisance for local residents. Loading and unloading at night and in the early morning hours is typically prohibited in residential areas. If your business needs to receive or dispatch deliveries outside the permitted hours, you can apply for an exemption from the municipality.
This applies to businesses with non-standard operating hours, such as bakeries with early morning deliveries, hospitality venues with late-night restocking, or businesses handling urgent freight. The exemption sets conditions to minimize noise, which may include using electric equipment, closing vehicle doors quietly, and avoiding engine idling. Each municipality sets its own restricted hours and application procedures.
Requirements
- Application: Written or digital application to the municipality
- Justification: Substantiation why loading/unloading outside permitted times is necessary
- Location: Address and location where loading/unloading takes place
- Times: Desired times and frequency
- Measures: Description of measures to limit noise nuisance
Procedure
- Submit application: Submit the exemption application to the municipality, preferably several weeks in advance
- Assessment: The municipality assesses the application and may ask local residents for advice
- Conditions: Conditions may be imposed upon granting (times, noise measures, duration)
- Fees: Municipal fees are due for the exemption
- Enforcement: The exemption can be withdrawn in case of nuisance