Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Buncombe County

Buncombe County, NC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code section
Sec. 6-76 (restraint of animals)
Applies in
Unincorporated county + opt-in towns
Off-premises rule
Chain, leash, or harness control
At-large penalty
Level I civil, $50 first offense
Enforcement
Buncombe County Animal Services

Summary

In unincorporated Buncombe County, dogs and other animals must stay on the owner's premises. Off the property, an animal must be under the control of a competent person by a chain, leash, harness, or other physical control (Sec. 6-76). Loose animals may be impounded.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Every person owning or having possession, charge, care, custody or control of any animal shall keep such animal exclusively upon his premises. However, such animal may be off such premises if it is under the control of a competent person and restrained by a chain, leash, harness or other means of physical control.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 6, Sec. 6-76 (Restraint of animals) governs the unincorporated county and municipalities that opted in; inside Asheville and other towns the city's own code applies (Sec. 6-27). Every owner must keep the animal exclusively on the premises unless it is under a competent person's control by chain, leash, or harness. Service dogs assisting people with disabilities need not be physically restrained if under the handler's direct control. Any animal found at large in violation of Sec. 6-76 is subject to immediate seizure and impoundment at the county animal shelter (Sec. 6-78). Buncombe County Animal Services enforces the ordinance.

Violations & Fines

Animal at large is a Level I civil penalty (Sec. 6-106): $50 first offense, $75 second, $100 third and each additional. An animal that 'frequently is at large' is a Level II violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to leash my dog in unincorporated Buncombe County?
Off your own premises, yes. Sec. 6-76 requires the dog be under a competent person's control by chain, leash, harness, or other physical control. On your own property no leash is required.
Does the county leash rule apply inside Asheville?
No. Sec. 6-27 exempts municipalities unless they opt in. Asheville, Black Mountain, and other towns enforce their own animal codes within their limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Buncombe County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingLight Restrictions

All Buncombe County rules

Compare Buncombe County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Dog Leash Laws in Buncombe County, NC changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.