Barking Dogs: Sutter vs Yuba City

When does a barking dog violate Sutter County rules?

When it barks, howls or makes other noise continuously and/or incessantly for an unreasonable period so as to create a noise disturbance across a real property line (Zoning Code Sec. 1500-21.5-060(A)), or when its sound or cry disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighborhood (Ordinance Code Sec. 800-321).

Who do I contact about a barking dog in unincorporated Sutter County?

Sutter Animal Services handles complaints concerning nuisance animals, including dogs that bark or howl so continuously or incessantly as to unreasonably disturb the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.

What happens to the dog's owner if barking continues?

The animal is deemed a public nuisance subject to abatement. After personal service of a notice and citation, an owner who lets the nuisance continue is subject to the penalties in Ordinance Code Sec. 800-030, which makes willful violations a misdemeanor or infraction.

How long can a dog bark legally in Yuba City, CA?

Yuba City does not set a fixed-minute threshold. The Sutter Animal Services Authority (SASA) - the JPA that handles animal services for Yuba City - defines a nuisance animal as one that 'barks or howls so continuously or incessantly as to unreasonably disturb the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.' Commercial dog kennels permitted by zoning are exempt. SASA uses a three-step complaint process (Notice / signed second complaint / third complaint from a different household, with two-week logs) and can respond only twice in a six-month window. Persistent barking can also be cited as a YCMC Chapter 17 noise violation by Yuba City Code Enforcement ($100 / $200 / $500 fine ladder).

How do I report a barking dog in Yuba City?

Contact Sutter Animal Services Authority (SASA) - the agency handling animal services for Yuba City. The first complaint results in a Notice of Complaint left at the dog owner's residence; the second requires you to come into the SASA office and sign in person and to maintain a two-week log of dates, times and duration; the third must come from a different household with its own two-week log. SASA can only respond to a barking complaint twice within a six-month period. Alternatively, file with Yuba City Code Enforcement at (530) 822-4703 under YCMC Chapter 17 (fines $100 / $200 / $500 for first / second / third citation within the same year).