Film Locations Glossary
Noise variance
What is a noise variance?
Also called noise permit, or noise waiver.
A noise variance is permission to exceed the local noise limits at a location, typically needed for night work, generators, effects, or amplified playback.
It is issued separately from the film permit, often by an environmental health or nuisance department, and it usually carries hour limits and a complaint threshold. Losing a variance mid-shoot converts a night exterior into a scheduling problem immediately.
Example
Generators, a wind machine, and playback after 10pm need a variance from environmental health, issued with hour limits and a complaint threshold. Cross the threshold and it is withdrawn mid-shoot, which turns a night exterior into a scheduling problem.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Issued separately from the film permit, usually by an environmental health or nuisance department.
Common mistake
Relying on a variance without managing to it. Variances carry complaint thresholds, and crossing one gets it withdrawn while the unit is still shooting nights.
Related questions
- When does a production need a noise variance?
- For night work, generators, effects, or amplified playback that exceeds local noise limits, usually issued by an environmental health or nuisance department.
- Can a noise variance be revoked mid-shoot?
- Yes. Most carry hour limits and a complaint threshold, and exceeding either can end night work immediately.