Annapolis, MD Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Annapolis, MD, 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
- Citation
- Annapolis City Code § 8.04.030
- First incident
- Warning only
- Repeat violation
- Municipal infraction, $50.00 fine
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Planning and Zoning
Summary
Annapolis bans letting an animal disturb the quiet of a person or neighborhood, with a fine after one warning.
Any person who owns, keeps, or has possession of an animal may not permit the animal to disturb the quiet of a person or the neighborhood. B. After one warning any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a municipal infraction and is subject to a fine as established by resolution of the City Council.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 8.04.030 makes it unlawful for anyone who owns, keeps, or has possession of an animal, including a barking dog, to permit it to disturb the quiet of a person or the neighborhood. The Department of Planning and Zoning enforces the chapter. The first incident draws a warning; after that, the owner is guilty of a municipal infraction and faces a fine set by City Council resolution. The City's current fines schedule lists a $50.00 fine for a § 8.04.030(B) violation.
Violations & Fines
One warning, then a municipal infraction citation with a $50.00 fine per the City's fines schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor's dog get cited for barking in Annapolis?
Is a first complaint punished right away?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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