Barking Dogs: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do barking dogs rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Animal noise is excluded from Chapter 9.50 by RMC §9.50.060(N)(2) and is governed by Title 6 (Animals) of the Rialto Municipal Code. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors is also actionable as a public nuisance under California Civil Code §3479 and §3480.
View full Rialto rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chronic barking is a nuisance under SBMC 8.30.020(L) and the noise control provisions of Chapter 8.54. San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control handles complaints at 909-386-9820.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Where the rule lives | Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals); §9.50.060(N)(2) sends complaints there | - |
| State backstop | Cal. Civil Code §3479 & §3480 (public nuisance) | - |
| Enforcement body | Rialto Animal Services (under Police Department) and Code Enforcement | - |
| Decibel limit | None — standard is 'habitual or continued' disturbance of neighbors | - |
| Number of dogs limit | Set in Title 6 (kennel-permit threshold); contact Animal Services for current count | - |
| Code | - | SBMC 8.30.020(L) and 8.54 |
| Animal Control | - | 909-386-9820 |
| Complaint Log | - | Dates, times, duration recommended |
| Licensing | - | County dog license required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rialto FAQ
Why isn't barking covered by Rialto's main noise ordinance?
RMC §9.50.060(N)(2) carves animal noise out of Chapter 9.50 and points to Title 6 of the Municipal Code. So the 50-ft/25-ft 'plainly audible' tests for music do not apply — barking is judged by whether it is 'habitual or continued' and disturbs neighbors.
How long does a dog have to bark before I can complain?
Rialto Title 6 (and California Civil Code §3479) use a 'habitual or continued' standard rather than a fixed minute count. In practice, Animal Services typically asks for a log showing repeated, prolonged barking on multiple days, plus statements from more than one household when possible.
Who do I call about a barking dog in Rialto?
Contact Rialto Animal Services through the Police Department non-emergency line, or file a Code Enforcement complaint via the Community Compliance Division at rialtoca.gov. For an ongoing nuisance you may also pursue a private nuisance claim in court under Cal. Civil Code §3479.
San Bernardino FAQ
How do I report a barking dog?
Call San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control at 909-386-9820 and keep a written log of the dates, times, and duration of barking.
How long is too long?
Barking that recurs over days or weeks and disturbs a reasonable person is generally enough to support a nuisance citation under SBMC 8.30.020(L).
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