Noise Bylaw Exemption Request Information
The Town of Lunenburg has a pdf Noise By-law (309 KB) that restricts certain activities at specific times. However, if your event or project may exceed those limits, you may request a Noise Exemption.
When to Apply
- Short-Term Exemptions (14 days or less):
Submit your request at least 7 days before your planned activity. - Long-Term Exemptions (more than 14 days):
These must be reviewed by Council. Submit your application at least 20 days before the activity.
Important: If your request goes to Council, it will be included in the public agenda package and discussed at a public Council meeting. Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak for or against your request at a public hearing. Council will then decide whether to approve the exemption.
When is a Noise Exemption Required?
You must apply for a Noise Exemption if your activity:
- Will exceed permitted noise levels, or
- Will take place outside of permitted hours (between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.),
and is not already exempt under:- Section 5 – Fixed Exemptions (emergency services, holidays, garbage collection), or
- Section 6 – Registered Business Operations (typical daytime business noise)
A full list of prohibited and exempted activities is available here: pdf Noise Bylaw Information Sheet(176 KB)
Examples of Activities That Likely Require an Exemption:
- Events with amplified music past 11:00 p.m.
- Construction or mechanical work outside permitted hours
- Use of fireworks
- Filming or events requiring generators or sound equipment during quiet hours
How to Apply
Complete the form below. If you're unsure whether your activity requires an exemption, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Proposed Bylaws
The Town of Lunenburg adopts by-laws under the authority of Nova Scotia’s Municipal Government Act.
Most by-laws require two readings by Council, with at least 14 days between first and second reading.
Proposed by-laws and by-law amendments are advertised on the Town’s website and social media. This notice provides information on the proposed changes and explains how and when the public can share feedback.
Before a by-law is adopted, members of the public may submit written comments or speak at a public hearing. Once a by-law receives second reading, it is considered adopted and comes into effect on the date set out in the by-law.
Current proposed by-laws and by-law amendments are posted below. If no by-laws are listed, there are currently no proposed by-laws or amendments under consideration.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact:
Kayla Byrne
Municipal Clerk
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
902-521-0016
Town of Lunenburg Bylaws
If you have a concern, complaint or question about any of our bylaws, please contact our Bylaw Officer, Shania MacLeod at (902) 521-6434 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Town Bylaws
Town Council passes bylaws which are put into place to meet the needs of residents, determine provisions and resolve issues. Matters include public safety and standards, public life, financial provisions and Town services.
Municipalities are given the authority to enact bylaws through the Municipal Government Act.
Looking for proposed bylaws? Visit the Proposed Bylaws Page.
Have questions about a bylaw? Contact the Municipal Clerk at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (902) 634-4410 x 240.
Public Life, Community & Environment Bylaws
| Bylaw | Description |
|---|---|
| pdf A Bylaw to Prohibit the Feeding of Wildlife in the Town of Lunenburg(124 KB) | Prohibits the public from feeding wildlife within Town. |
| pdf Dog Bylaw(209 KB) | Regulates the Town’s dog licensing process and regulations for proper pet conduct. |
| pdf Domestic and Wild Animals and Exotic Pets Bylaw(80 KB) | Prohibits the ownership of certain animals as pets. |
| pdf Tour and Horse-Drawn Vehicle By-law(267 KB) | Sets the rules for how tour vehicles and horse-drawn carriages operate in Town, focusing on safety, clear expectations for operators, and the care of horses |
| pdf Noise Bylaw(309 KB) |
Establishes prohibited noise activities and a process to request an exemption.
|
| pdf Paid Parking Bylaw(285 KB) | Establishes the rules for paid parking in the Town of Lunenburg, including parking fees, time limits, exemptions, and enforcement. |
| pdf Public Places By-law(211 KB) | Designates and regulates public spaces. |
| pdf Taxi Bylaw(159 KB) | Establishes licensing, regulating and governing of taxicab owners and taxicab drivers |
| pdf Vending Bylaw(73 KB) | Regulates vending on Town-owned property. |
| Short-Term Accomodation Levy Bylaw | Establishes the collection, administration, and use of a marketing levy on short-term accommodations in accordance with Section 75A of the Municipal Government Act. |
Administrative and Finance Bylaws
| Bylaw | Description |
|---|---|
| pdf Alternative Voting Bylaw(243 KB) | Establishes alternative voting processes, such as electronic and telephone voting for municipal elections. |
| pdf Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw(163 KB) | Establishes the position and confirms the administrative powers of the CAO. |
| pdf Deed Transfer Tax Bylaw(77 KB) | Sets the Town’s Deed Transfer Tax rates. |
| pdf Tax Exemption Bylaw(145 KB) | Exempts certain charitable organizations from paying property tax. |
Public Infrastructure and Services Bylaws
| Bylaw | Description |
|---|---|
| pdf Annual Sewer Charges(198 KB) | Sets the annual sewer charge for users of the Town’s sewer system. |
| pdf Management of the Lunenburg Cemetery Bylaw(45 KB) | Provides regulations for managing the Hillcrest Cemetery, including the sale of lots, memorials and foundations, and interment procedures. |
| pdf Curb and Sidewalk Charges Bylaw(498 KB) | Establishes charges associated with installing curbs, gutters or sidewalks. |
| pdf Sewer Discharge Bylaw(160 KB) | Prohibits the discharge of numerous items into Town sewers and outlines the process for sampling, spills, and reporting. |
| pdf The Care of Streets Bylaw(231 KB) | Regulates the use and care of roads and sidewalks. |
| pdf Solid Waste Management Bylaw(655 KB) | Regulates and establishes processes for separating, storing, and collecting solid waste. |
Public Safety Bylaws
| Bylaw | Description |
|---|---|
| pdf Burning Bylaw(127 KB) | Establishes regulations for Burning Permits, which allow for burning brush, grass, fields, etc. |
| pdf Regional Emergency Management Bylaw(2.45 MB) | Establishes roles and processes for a coordinated response to emergencies. |
Land-Use Planning, Development & Heritage Bylaws
| Bylaw | Description |
|---|---|
| pdf Building Bylaw(8.45 MB) | Establishes regulations for building permits, permit fees, and inspections. |
| pdf Civic Addressing Bylaw(69 KB) | Procedures for numbering and renumbering civic addresses. |
| pdf Heritage Conservation District Plan and By-law(8.43 MB) | Regulates the appearance of the outside of buildings in the HCD. |
| pdf Heritage Property Bylaw(119 KB) | Outlines the duties of HAC and establishes processes for registering properties as a Town Heritage Property. |
| pdf Land Use Bylaw(7.73 MB) | Regulates the use of land, buildings, and structures. |
| pdf Municipal Planning Strategy (2.38 MB) |
This is a policy document that guides land use, development, and growth within a municipality. It sets out the long-term vision for the community and provides the framework for zoning, development regulations, and municipal services. The MPS is implemented through by-laws, such as the Land Use By-law (LUB) and the Subdivision By-law, which contain detailed rules for how land can be used and developed. The strategy must also align with provincial legislation and policies. |
| pdf Mobile Home Park Bylaw(342 KB) | Regulates the establishment of mobile home parks, including street design, streetlights, water supply systems, etc. |
| pdf Subdivision Bylaw(896 KB) | Regulates how land can be subdivided to create new lots. |
| pdf Subdivision Specifications (1.66 MB) | This is not a bylaw, but is intended to assist the applicant for subdivision approval in preparing a submission for the approval of municipal services in conjunction with the Subdivision By-Law. |
| pdf Street Encroachment Bylaw(377 KB) | Establishes regulations and processes for the Town to enter into a street encroachment licence agreement with abutting property owners. This includes street encroachments for sidewalk cafes, street furniture and landscaping features. |
Single Purpose bylaws
These bylaws were passed for one specific action and serve no other purpose.
| pdf By-law to Repeal Certain By-laws(132 KB) | Repeals outdated or no longer needed Town bylaws. |
| pdf Closing of Old Post Road(51 KB) | Permanently closes a public street or portion of a street. |
| pdf Closing of Creighton Street(203 KB) | Permanently closes a public street or portion of a street. |
| pdf Closing of Kaulbach Street(41 KB) | Permanently closes a public street or portion of a street. |
| pdf Boundaries Bylaw(78 KB) | Defines the Town’s boundaries. |
Town Committees & Working Groups
Council advisory committees are groups of residents and councillors appointed by Town Council to provide specialized advice on various community issues. These committees offer recommendations and insights to Council, helping shape policies, projects, and decisions that impact the Town of Lunenburg. They serve as a vital link between the council and the community, ensuring that local perspectives and expertise are considered in the decision-making process.
In contrast, a working group is formed to accomplish a specific task or project within a set timeframe. Working groups include members with relevant expertise, focusing on implementing initiatives or conducting detailed studies. They are temporary and disband once their objective is achieved.
In addition to advisory committees, Council members are appointed to various other committees and boards, including inter-municipal committees formed through shared service agreements, committees with partner municipalities, and optional external committees. A complete list of Council's current appointments is available here: pdf Council Appointments 2025/26(117 KB)
Council’s advisory committees are:
- Audit Committee
- Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC)
- Planning Advisory Committee (PAC)
- Protective Services Committee
- Source Water Protection Advisory Committee (Dares Lake Watershed
Advisory Committee Application Process
At this time, we are not accepting applications for committee positions. Please check back in the future for updates on when applications will reopen. Thank you for your interest in contributing to our community!