Define community norms to address neighbourhood noise​

Challenge

To address issues of noise disturbance faced by residents, such as noise from neighbours and noise from groups gathering in common areas, the Municipal Services Office (MSO) and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) has set up the Community Advisory Panel on Neighbourhood Noise (CAP) to develop a set of community norms together with residents. This initiative supports the Forward SG’s Build pillar which seeks to build a more liveable living environment and home for all who stake their futures here.

Verian was commissioned to conduct a series of public engagements, in the form of 28 focus group discussions, to explore residents’ perception of norms that cover the following:

• Acceptable or unacceptable noise levels when living in a community; and
• Community norms on noise management to foster harmonious living, i.e. good habits for neighbours to show consideration for one another and reduce noise disturbances.

Approach

A series of public engagements are being conducted, in the form of 28 focus group discussions held over 4 workshops, carried out on Saturdays throughout July and August 2022.

The discussion with residents seeks to ensure the voices of the community are heard, and that the norms developed by CAP will reflect a shared understanding within the community.

Impact

Insights and findings from the public engagement were presented for the Panel to study. The findings helped in the development of recommendations to resolve noise issues and disputes. Results have been published on MSO website.

More updates on the Public Engagement (FGDs) can be found on MSO website, Channel News Asia (CNA) and Straits Times.