Aliso Viejo, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 6.04.030 prohibits any animal on premises owned, occupied or controlled by a responsible person from causing a nuisance by barking, howling, crying or making other sounds that unreasonably disturb other persons in the comfortable enjoyment of their life or property. A dog is not deemed a nuisance if, when it makes noise, a person is trespassing or threatening to trespass on the private property where the dog is, or the dog is being teased or provoked. The code cross-references the noise control chapter, Chapter 8.12 AVMC.

Section 6.04.040 lays out a three-complaint ladder run by the animal services department. A first complaint brings a letter to the responsible person. A second complaint, received at least 10 days but no more than 30 days after that letter, sends an animal services officer to issue a notice to comply and advise on solutions. A third complaint, again 10 to 30 days after the previous step, leads staff to ask the complaining party to return a formal witness statement signed under penalty of perjury within 10 days of the request. If the director or designee then finds a violation, the department issues an administrative citation under Chapter 1.06 AVMC.

The citation can be contested under § 6.04.070 by calling the animal services department within 10 days of the issuance date and requesting a hearing. If the fine is unpaid, the owner must attend in person; failing to appear abandons the defense, and a juvenile under 18 must bring an adult or legal guardian. The citation and witness statement are accepted as prima facie evidence. If the complainant fails to appear, that is grounds for dismissal. Subsection G says fines for violating § 6.04.030 are set by City Council resolution, although § 6.04.040(D) as printed refers to fines established by the city of Mission Viejo. A fine not paid within 15 days of its due date draws a late penalty equal to the fine, doubling the amount due. Section 6.04.090 also lets the council order the city attorney to pursue a civil or criminal abatement action instead.