Burien, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 7.30.180 of the Burien Municipal Code, titled Disturbances by animals prohibited, sits in Title 7, Chapter 7.30, Rules Governing Use of Facilities. It applies to park areas in the City of Burien and does not address barking at a private home. The section has three sentences, each aimed at the person responsible for the animal. First, no person can allow a dog or other pet or domestic animal to bite, disturb or harass any park users, wildlife or other pets. Second, no person can permit a dog, pet or domestic animal to bark or make noise continuously or otherwise disturb the peace and tranquility of the park. Third, no person can permit dogs, pets or domestic animals to damage, destroy or remove park vegetation.

The barking standard turns on the word continuously, plus a catch-all for any disturbance of the peace and tranquility of the park. Section 7.30.180 prints no decibel level and no minute count, so the printed words are the test.

Related pet rules sit next to it in § 7.30.170. Dogs, pets or domestic animals are not permitted on any designated beach, picnic area, tennis courts or play area in any park or recreation facility unless specifically permitted by posting, and the section does not apply to service animals or to specific recreation programs authorized by the parks director. In posted areas, animals must be kept on a leash no greater than 15 feet in length and under control at all times. Anyone whose pet animal is in any city park area is responsible for the conduct of the animal and for removing feces deposited by it from the park area.

Section 7.20.080 adds that failure to conform with park regulations or the instructions of city employees is sufficient reason to eject a person from a park or park facility. The park rules were adopted by the Burien City Council in Ord. 475 in 2007, and the parks director has authority under § 7.20.100 to adopt and post additional reasonable rules for the safe and efficient operation of the parks.