For many residents in Chatsworth and Phoenix, running a small business from home is a lifeline. But a recent crackdown by Durban Metro Police Service serves as a timely warning: if your enterprise disturbs the peace, you could be shut down.
Metro Police are clamping down on what they call "noisy businesses" operating in residential areas following complaints from several residents whose neighbours' core business is causing a disturbance.
In the most recent complaint, Umhlanga Ridge residents say they are being plagued by noisy call centre workers during shift change in the early hours of the morning. But the issue hits closer to home for suburbs where home-based enterprises, from aluminium works to panel beating and small manufacturing, often operate alongside family homes.
Ward councillor Bradley Singh confirmed that he has "been dealing with numerous complaints from residents", who claim the "loud talking, laughing and shouting" from the employees "has become a nightly disturbance".
According to Singh, residents claim their "sleep patterns are affected, reducing the overall quality of life". Another resident claims that he is unable to sell his property which has depreciated in value due to noise that emanates from the call centres.
Singh said the situation has escalated to the point of urgent intervention.
"Residential areas are designated for peaceful living, and the current excessive noise levels are unacceptable. The screeching of tyres is not what one expects when in deep sleep."
Durban Metro Police spokesperson Superintendent Boysie Zungu confirmed the noise complaint. He said officers were dispatched and found the noise was not caused by music or any major disturbance.
"It was found that the noise was from call centre staff talking outside during their break time. The noise level was normal," he said.
Despite multiple attempts to obtain comment from the call centre in question, no response had been received by the time of publication.
In a separate incident, the Durban Metro Police Service Strike Team responded to a noise complaint at Hillgrove in Newlands West of an aluminium business operating within a residential property.
"It was confirmed that machinery used on the premises was generating excessive noise, causing disturbance to neighbouring residents. The business was operating between 8.30am and 4.30pm," said Zungu.
"The owner was advised that such operations are not permitted within a residential area due to noise and zoning regulations. He acknowledged the concern and indicated that he will seek alternative premises suitable for business operations."
Durban Metro police inspecting a business in Newlands East
Image: SUPPLIED
Zungu provided a few of the basic by-laws implemented by Durban Metro:
No person may in a public space cause or permit to be caused any disturbance or impairment of the convenience or peace of any person by shouting, screaming or making any other loud or persistent noise or sound, including amplified noise or sound, except where noise or sound is emanating from an authorised public meeting, gathering, congregation or event, or an emergency or rescue announcement.
No person may permit noise or sound from a private residence or business premises in his or her control to be audible to users outside of such premises to such an extent that it reasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment by an owner or occupier of his or her property.
No person may cause or permit to be caused any disturbance or impairment of the convenience or peace of any person within the following times:
From Sunday to Thursday, between 9.30pm and 7am
From Friday to Saturday, between midnight and 8am
No driver or person in control of a motor vehicle may permit any amplified sound or noise to emanate from the motor vehicle such that it is audible at a distance of more than 50 metres.
No person may rev the engine of a stationary motor vehicle in such a way that it causes nuisance in a public place.
No person may engage in any construction or cause or allow such construction to occur in a residential area:
Before 7am and after 6pm from Monday to Saturday
At any time on any Sunday or public holiday
To log a disturbance with the Metro Police, call 031 361 0000.