Cicero, IL Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Cicero, IL, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 38-27(7), Keeping of animals
- Standard
- Frequent or loud noise disturbing others
- Fine range
- $50.00 to $250.00 per violation
- Related cross-reference
- Animal noise also cited at Sec. 18-7
Summary
Cicero treats a dog or other animal whose frequent or loud noise disturbs a neighbor's comfort and repose as an unreasonable noise violation, punishable by a $50.00 to $250.00 fine under the town's general noise ordinance.
Keeping of animals. The keeping of any animal or bird which, by causing frequent or loud noise, shall disturb the comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 121).
Full Breakdown
Sec. ' This sits within Article II, Division 1 of Chapter 38 (Environment), alongside the town's other enumerated noise violations such as horn-blowing, construction noise and amplified music, all declared unreasonable under Sec. 38-26. Because the barking-animal clause is folded into the general unreasonable-noise section rather than the separate Animals chapter, enforcement runs through the same penalty structure: Sec. 00 for each violation. The code cross-references animal noise separately at Sec. 18-7 in the Animals chapter, confirming the town treats a chronically barking or howling dog as a code enforcement matter distinct from any state or county animal-control complaint.
Because this provision lists 'frequent or loud noise' without a decibel threshold or specific time window, officers and hearing officers assess it case by case against the same 'unreasonably loud and disturbing' standard that governs Sec. 38-26 generally, meaning a single loud outburst is treated differently from a pattern of ongoing disturbance.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the animal-noise clause in Sec. 38-27(7) is enforced as an unreasonable noise offense under Sec. 38-26, carrying a minimum fine of $50.00 and a maximum fine of $250.00 per offense, with each recurring incident potentially charged as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a barking dog illegal in Cicero?
What is the fine for a noisy dog complaint in Cicero?
Does Cicero require a set number of barking incidents before it's a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cicero
Compare Cicero to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle barking dogs.