Frequently asked questions about noise

Normal sounds of living coming from the next-door apartment are part of urban life. If the neighbour’s noise disturbs you, you should discuss it with the neighbour: this applies particularly to the residential areas of single-family houses. The housing rules and regulations of apartment buildings and other housing companies usually contain rules related to noise. Disturbing noise from a neighbour is dealt with in accordance with the rules and regulations and can be reported to the board of the housing company or the building manager. Loud noise at night-time can also be reported to the police.

The majority of road traffic noise comes from main roads managed by the state, the noise reduction of which is the responsibility of the Uusimaa ELY Centre. You can contact the ELY Centre(external link, opens in a new window) about traffic noise associated with such main roads. The Public Works Department is responsible for noise abatement for the City of Espoo’s streets and roads.

The easiest way to decrease road noise is to prevent it from entering the interior. It helps to keep the windows, balcony glazing, and doors closed, if possible. The soundproofing of buildings can be improved in connection with renovation work in particular.

At yard areas, spaces intended for use by residents can be protected by a structural noise barrier, if possible. The placement of outdoor buildings such as garages and warehouses can prevent noise from reaching the yard. You can also build separate noise barriers yourself, with more detailed instructions available from the Building Control Department. Read more about voluntary noise abatement measures from the guide available for download below (only in Finnish).

Noise barriers are built in Espoo mainly in conjunction with the construction of new residential areas or blocks and roadworks. However, the construction of noise barriers may be restricted by the need to ensure good visibility at junctions and intersections and a lack of space.

The body responsible for traffic noise reduction varies depending on the noise source. Issues concerning road noise from state roads should be reported to the Uusimaa ELY Centre(external link, opens in a new window) responsible for the management of major roads in Espoo, including the speed limits. Finavia(external link, opens in a new window) is responsible for issues related to aircraft noise. The City of Espoo is responsible for issues related to the city roads and streets. For more information about the division of noise abatement responsibilities in the City of Espoo, please see section “Parties responsible for noise abatement”.

It is very difficult to build effective noise barriers by the street network due to the street junctions and driveways, for example. The noise barrier must extend uninterruptedly far enough from the area to be protected in both directions. Noise barriers cannot be built near junctions because of the sight distance requirements in intersections for traffic safety. Also, street areas are often tightly built, making it impossible to construct a noise barrier.

Noise barriers are usually built in connection with the construction and renovation of streets, roads and highways as it is difficult to obtain funding for separate noise abatement because of the cost issues. The budget allocated for noise abatement is not great, making it impossible to build noise barriers wherever they are desired.

As a rule, the noisiest construction work should be carried out on weekdays from Monday to Friday between 7:00 and 18:00. Most construction work can also be carried out in the evenings, weekends and holidays. If the construction site noise disturbs you, you can contact the site supervisor or, if necessary, the City of Espoo’s Environmental Supervision.

The building contractor must inform the residents in the surrounding areas of temporary operations causing especially disturbing noise. The noisiest work phases on a construction site are often notified by means of notifications delivered at home, complete with contact information and information on the duration and time of the noise. Temporary professional operations causing especially disturbing noise may require a noise notification to the City of Espoo’s Environmental Supervision Unit. The decision made based on the noise notification may, for example, limit the time allowed for noisy operations or require noise abatement measures.

In Finland, restaurant terraces are open for a relatively short period during the year. In Espoo, restaurant terraces close to habitation must stop serving alcohol at 22:00. The best way to protect your home from restaurant noise is to close the windows and balcony doors.