Canadian building code question

What are the building code requirements for noise and vibration control in Canada?

The building code sets minimum Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings for assemblies separating dwelling units and between commercial and residential occupancies. Vibration control requirements apply to mechanical equipment and certain structural conditions.

Noise complaints are one of the most common post-occupancy issues in multi-unit buildings. The building code addresses sound transmission through minimum STC and IIC ratings for separating assemblies, while vibration isolation requirements apply to mechanical equipment that could transmit structure-borne noise.

What to check first

  • Minimum STC ratings apply to wall and floor assemblies separating dwelling units — the NBC requires STC 50 for most separating assemblies.
  • Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings address footfall and impact noise through floor-ceiling assemblies between dwelling units.
  • Mechanical equipment vibration isolation is required to prevent structure-borne noise transmission to occupied spaces.

Jurisdiction notes

NBC baseline

The National Building Code requires minimum STC 50 for walls and floors between dwelling units. The NBC 2025 may introduce enhanced requirements in some areas.

Provincial variations

Some provinces have adopted higher STC or IIC requirements than the NBC minimum. Check the applicable provincial code for the enforceable values.

Municipal noise bylaws

Municipal noise bylaws may impose additional requirements beyond the building code, particularly for buildings near transportation corridors or commercial districts.

Work through it in this order

  1. Identify all assemblies that separate dwelling units or separate different occupancy types.
  2. Verify the minimum STC rating required for each separating assembly under the applicable code.
  3. Specify floor-ceiling assemblies with appropriate IIC ratings to control impact noise.
  4. Design mechanical equipment mountings with vibration isolation to prevent structure-borne noise.
  5. Consider acoustic testing requirements — some jurisdictions or project specifications require field testing.

Common questions

What STC rating is required between apartments?

The NBC requires a minimum STC 50 for assemblies separating dwelling units. Some provinces may require higher values.

Is impact noise testing required by code?

The code specifies minimum IIC values but does not always mandate field testing. Some project specifications and jurisdictions require post-construction acoustic testing.

How do you control mechanical vibration in buildings?

Vibration isolation mounts, inertia bases, and flexible connections are used to prevent mechanical equipment from transmitting structure-borne noise to occupied spaces.