Barking dog rules in Auburn, WA — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Auburn treats persistent barking as public disturbance noise under ACC 6.02.140. Animal noise plainly audible across property lines continuously or repeatedly is a violation at any hour.
Auburn City Code 6.02.140 prohibits public disturbance noise made by an animal that unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort, and repose of property owners or possessors. The ordinance does not set a strict decibel threshold. Enforcement relies on the plainly audible standard: if the animal noise is continuously or repeatedly audible across a property line and the complainant is willing to sign a complaint, officers can issue a civil infraction citation. Auburn Animal Control takes barking complaints through the Barking Dog Complaint Form and typically investigates in steps: an initial warning letter to the dog owner, followed by a signed citizen complaint if the barking continues, then a citation. Two corroborating complainants from separate households strengthens the case. After 10 PM and before 7 AM (weekdays) or 9 AM (Sundays), barking also overlaps ACC 8.28 general public disturbance provisions and the WAC 173-60 45 dBA nighttime residential receiving limit.
First offense is generally a warning letter. Subsequent complaints become civil infractions under ACC 6.02.140 with escalating fines. Chronic nuisance dogs can be declared a public nuisance and subject to abatement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle barking dogs.
See how Auburn's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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