Alpine County, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Alpine County Code Section 18.68.090 does not single out animal or barking-dog noise the way some larger counties do; it instead applies a general parcel-line sound limit by zone (for example, 60 dB(A) Leq(15) in Residential Estates and 65 dB(A) in Residential Neighborhood districts). A dog whose barking causes measured sound to exceed the applicable zone limit beyond the owner's parcel boundary can be a violation of the noise standard. Separately, the ordinance is expressly designed to supplement California Penal Code Sections 370 (public nuisance) and 415 (disturbing the peace), and the code notes that even activity within an exemption can still be a public nuisance. The County's short-term rental rules (Code 18.73) also require occupants and guests not to create unreasonable noise or disturbances and to keep neighboring properties undisturbed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., which captures barking from rental dogs. Because the entire county is unincorporated, complaints are handled by County officials — the noise section names the community development director, building official, environmental specialist, public health officer and county sheriff as having investigative responsibility. Animal-specific licensing or impound matters are handled through County animal services rather than this noise section.