Coeur d'Alene, ID Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

The standard in the City of Coeur d'Alene is a reasonable-person test, not a decibel reading. Section 6.15.050 reaches an animal that by loud, continued or frequent noise, or by noxious or offensive odors, endangers the health and welfare or disturbs the peace and comfort of any reasonable person or neighborhood. The section names barking, howling, yelping, meowing, screeching and crowing, so dogs, cats and fowl are all covered, and it prints no decibel figure or quiet hours. Only two operators are exempt: the animal control impound facility and veterinary hospitals.

The rule is folded into other animal provisions. Section 6.15.010(B) requires owners of livestock or fowl kept in compliance with zoning and animal control ordinances to comply with the ordinances on animals disturbing the neighborhood, foul odors and noise. Section 6.15.120(C) requires animals and animal enclosures to be kept clean and sanitary to minimize vermin infestation, odors and disease. The chicken allowance in section 6.15.010 excludes roosters.

Enforcement runs through the police department. Under section 6.05.050 the police chief designates the animal control officers, who are authorized to issue citations and notices of violation. Under section 6.05.060 an officer can secure or take possession of any animal in plain view that the officer reasonably believes to be in violation of the title. Under section 6.05.080 fees, civil penalties and deposits are set by resolution of the city council.

Repeat violations carry the sharpest consequence. Under section 6.35.030(C)(2), three (3) or more violations of animals disturbing the neighborhood within any twelve (12) month period bring a two (2) year ban on owning, keeping or maintaining any domestic animals within the city limits, and any animal found in that person's possession during the ban is confiscated and impounded. Payment of a civil penalty is treated as a conviction for that count under section 6.35.020(C).