Noisy work to be done at home and you are only available on Sundays and public holidays? Do you have the right to carry out this work? What does the law say? Let's take stock in May full of public holidays and bridges.
The weeks are already busy (let's not talk about Saturdays) and you only have Sundays and public holidays left to do some work at home. Before you roar the drill and antagonize the neighbourhood, it's best to find out what the law says about noisy work on Sundays and public holidays? Can we do work on a Sunday or a public holiday? What type of work? What are the schedules to be respected? Let's take a look.
CAN I WORK AT HOME ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS?
Article R1336-5 of the Public Health Code sets out the basis for the regulations for neighbourhood noise: "No particular noise must, by its duration, repetition or intensity, affect the tranquillity of the neighbourhood or the health of man, in a public or private place, whether a person is the cause of it himself or whether through a person, of a thing in his custody or of an animal under his responsibility." But no mention is made of days of the week or schedules to be respected.
Note, however, that you can carry out non-noisy work every day without a time frame. Painting, sanding, and cleaning can be done on Sundays and public holidays. You have plenty to do while waiting for Monday morning!
WHAT ARE THE HOURS FOR WORK ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS?
The National Noise Council (CNB) has defined time slots during which work can be carried out. This is a way to offer your neighbours moments of sound respite. Thus, on Sundays and public holidays, crafts can be done from 10 a.m. to noon.
While many follow these recommendations of the CNB, the prefectural and municipal decrees relating to work schedules and noise pollution can vary from one municipality to another. Check with your town hall to find out the rules in force in your territory.
In Paris, for example, noisy work is not allowed at all on Sundays and public holidays.
In addition to this, you will have to refer to the co-ownership regulations which may set stricter rules for work in both common and private areas.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR NOISE POLLUTION DUE TO WORK?
Does your neighbourhood not respect the days and times provided by law for DIY? First of all, we can only recommend an amicable approach. Meet to discuss the inconvenience caused (which your neighbour may not be aware of) and find common sense solutions.
If discussion is not possible, you have the right to appeal to the authorities to stop the noise. The amount of the fine incurred can be up to 450 euros.