Contra Costa County, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Under the Contra Costa County Noisy Animal Ordinance (Ordinance Code section 416-12.202), it is unlawful to have an animal that makes noise for an extended period of time and the noise disturbs any person at any time of day or night. A "noisy animal" means an animal that makes any noise for an extended period of time to the disturbance of any person at any time of day or night, regardless of whether the animal is physically situated in or upon private property. An "extended period of time" means incessant noise for thirty minutes or more in any twenty-four-hour period, or intermittent noise for sixty minutes or more in any twenty-four-hour period. Any incessant or intermittent noise that causes a disturbance, including barking, howling, crying, or baying, violates the Ordinance. The department may issue an administrative penalty under Article 416-4.8 to any responsible person for a violation of this section based on either or both of the following: an observation of the violation by a department employee, or a complaint, signed under penalty of perjury, lodged by a person who has been disturbed by the barking dog or noisy animal.