Apple Valley, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Animal noise in the Town of Apple Valley is addressed in Chapter 9.73 (Noise Control). Section 9.73.060.D makes it unlawful to be 'owning, possessing or harboring any animal or bird which frequently or for long duration, howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds which create a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real property line or within a noise sensitive zone.' Note the standard is tied to a 'noise disturbance' crossing a property line rather than a fixed decibel reading, and it applies day or night. This matters in Apple Valley because the town has a strong equestrian and rural-residential character with larger lots and more livestock and animals than a typical suburb, yet the Town still holds owners responsible when persistent animal noise crosses onto a neighbor's parcel. This is the Town's own ordinance; San Bernardino County's animal-noise rules apply only to unincorporated areas. California has no statewide barking-dog statute, so the Town code is the operative authority. Animal-control and licensing matters in Apple Valley are handled separately from the noise chapter, but a chronic barking complaint is typically pursued under 9.73.060.D as a noise disturbance.