2. Commercial - Industrial - Agricultural Noise Nuisance in France

1. 2.1. General Law
   2.2. Construction Sites
   2.3. Public Works
   2.4. Musical Venues

2.2. Noise Nuisance Problems from Construction Sites in France

As a general rule, noise from a building site is considered to be a normal activity and, therefore, not subject to sanction.

The general rule applies even where operatives may start on site at an early hour and continue into the evening hours.

So, it is particularly difficult to demonstrate ‘abnormal’ noise in the case of a building site.

However, where you can demonstrate that any machinery is not operating in compliance with regulations or the contractor has not taken appropriate precautions to limit the noise nuisance, then it may be possible to bring an action.

Alternatively, to demonstrate that the contractor is not operating in accordance with any conditions that may have been imposed concerning execution of the works.

The mairie or préfecture can regulate the hours of operation of the building site or limit the time during which a particular activity may take place. Nevertheless, these interventions occur only very rarely and in very specific circumstance eg holiday sites.