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Ann Arbor, MI Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

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

Barking dog rules in Ann Arbor, MI, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.

Key Facts

Presumption window
10 p.m.–7 a.m., off-property noise
Maximum fine
$500 civil infraction
Impoundment
Authorized under § 9:48(6)
Governing sections
§ 9:45(4), § 9:47(2)

Summary

Barking, howling or other animal noise that disturbs neighbors violates Ann Arbor's animal noise nuisance rule; noise audible off the property between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is presumed a violation.

(4)Noise nuisance. Barking, howling, meowing, squawking or making other sounds, frequently or for a continued duration, which annoys, endangers, injures or disturbs a person of normal sensitivities on premises other than that occupied by the owner of the animal. After 10:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m., animal noises audible beyond the property line of the property where the animal is located are presumed to be an annoyance and disturbance and are presumed to constitute a noise nuisance.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).

Full Breakdown

Ann Arbor's animal ordinance defines a 'noise nuisance' as barking, howling, meowing, squawking or other sounds a pet makes frequently or for a continued duration that annoy, endanger, injure or disturb a person of normal sensitivities off the owner's property. Noise audible beyond the property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is presumed to be an annoyance and a violation. An owner whose animal causes a noise nuisance is guilty of a civil infraction under § 9:47(2), and an animal control officer may impound the animal under § 9:48(6).

Violations & Fines

Civil infraction, fine up to $500 under § 9:47(2); an animal control officer may also impound an animal causing a noise nuisance under § 9:48(6).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is barking after 10 p.m. automatically a violation in Ann Arbor?
Yes. City Code § 9:45(4) presumes off-property animal noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is an annoyance and disturbance constituting a noise nuisance.
What's the penalty for a barking dog complaint in Ann Arbor?
A civil infraction fine of up to $500 under § 9:47(2); a persistent nuisance can also lead to impoundment by an animal control officer.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ann Arbor

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSignificant RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome Restrictions

All Ann Arbor rules

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