Apple Valley, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Apple Valley, CA, 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
- Covered noise
- Habitual barking, whining, crowing, loud sound
- Complaint requirement
- Written, signed complaint required
- Enforcing agency
- Animal Control Officer
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100 (administrative citation)
- Repeat fine
- Up to $500 within one year
- Alternative penalty
- Misdemeanor: up to $1,000, 6 months jail
Summary
Apple Valley makes it unlawful to keep any animal that habitually barks, whines, crows or makes loud noise disturbing neighbors' peace and quiet, or that interferes with a person of ordinary sensitivity enjoying their property. The Animal Control Officer investigates every written, signed complaint filed under this section.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or allow to be kept, or permit any animal to remain upon the premises under the control of such person, when such animal habitually barks, whines, crows or makes loud or unusual noises in such a manner as to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighbors surrounding or in the vicinity of such premises, or whose barking, whining, crowing, or other sound interferes with any person of ordinary sensitivity in the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life and property. The Animal Control Officer shall promptly investigate or cause to be investigated all complaints that this Section is being violated if such complaints are in writing and contain the signature of the complainant.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
01, Animal Control, in Title 15, Animals, bans keeping or allowing to be kept any animal that habitually barks, whines, crows or makes loud or unusual noise so as to disturb the peace and quiet of neighbors, or whose noise interferes with a person of ordinary sensitivity in the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life and property. The rule reaches any animal, not only dogs, so a habitually crowing rooster or a whining cat kept outdoors is covered on the same terms as a barking dog.
Enforcement is complaint-driven: the Section directs the Animal Control Officer to promptly investigate or have investigated any complaint that the section is being violated, but only if the complaint is submitted in writing and signed by the complainant; an anonymous or verbal report does not by itself trigger an investigation. 140, which lets the Town order licensing, removal, containment or other remedy beyond a fine. The barking-dog rule sits immediately next to the Chapter's leash and at-large provisions, so an animal cited for habitual noise can also face at-large enforcement if it is found running loose while making the disturbance.
Violations & Fines
A substantiated noise complaint is enforced by the Animal Control Officer under § 15.01.130 and § 1.01.200: the town may issue an administrative citation of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year and $500 for later offenses, or prosecute the keeping of the noisy animal as a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in County jail. A chronic violation can also be abated as a public nuisance under § 15.01.140.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a written complaint about a neighbor's barking dog?
Does the noise rule only cover dogs?
What can the Town do about a chronically noisy animal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Apple Valley
California rules heatmap·Compare Apple Valley to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle barking dogs.