Colorado Springs, CO Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Colorado Springs, CO, 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
- Code Section
- City Code Sec. 6.7.115
- Standard
- Unreasonably loud and persistent noise disturbing the neighborhood
- Neighborhood
- Within 500 feet of the premises where the pet resides
- Process
- Written warning, then a 3-day correction period before enforcement
- Enforcement window
- No action more than 6 months after the written warning
- Defense
- Complainant provoked the animal
Summary
Colorado Springs City Code section 6.7.115 makes it unlawful to own or keep any pet or hoofed animal whose unreasonably loud and persistent barking, howling, baying, yelping, crowing, or crying disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. An animal control officer issues a written warning first, the owner gets 3 days to correct it, and only then can enforcement action follow.
6.7.115: NOISY PETS OR ANIMALS PROHIBITED: A. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep any pet or hoofed animal which by any unreasonably loud and persistent barking, howling, baying, yelping, crowing, crying or other utterance disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. B. It shall be a defense to the violation of this section that the complainant provoked the pet or hoofed animal whose noise is complained of by the complainant. C. In the event an animal control officer determines that a violation of this section has occurred, the animal control officer shall give the owner or keeper of the animal a written warning of the violation pursuant to this chapter. The owner or keeper shall be entitled to a period of three (3) days after the date on which the written warning is given to correct the violation... G. For the purpose of this section, 'neighborhood' means the area within five hundred feet (500') of the exterior boundaries of the premises where the pet resides; 'disturb' means to unreasonably annoy, perturb or interfere with the quiet enjoyment of another's premises.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 26-23, passed June 9, 2026).
Full Breakdown
115 (Noisy Pets Or Animals Prohibited). ' The enforcement process is graduated: under subsection C an animal control officer who finds a violation must first give the owner or keeper a written warning, and the owner gets three days to correct it; only if the violation persists or recurs at the same residence after the three-day period can enforcement action follow. No enforcement action may be taken more than six months after a written warning is given. A warning requires at least one witness to the unreasonably loud and persistent noise (which can be the officer or the complaining witness), and a conviction at trial requires corroborating testimonial or demonstrative evidence from someone other than the complainant or a member of the complainant's household.
'Neighborhood' is defined as the area within 500 feet of the premises where the pet resides. On a second conviction, the court may order the owner to abate the nuisance within five days, and failure to do so is contempt of court. It is a defense that the complainant provoked the animal.
Violations & Fines
Written warning from an animal control officer, a 3-day cure period, then a summons and complaint in Municipal Court if the noise persists or recurs within six months. On a second conviction the court may order abatement within five days; failure constitutes contempt of court under chapter 11 of the City Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my neighbor's dog be ticketed on the first complaint?
How close do I have to live to complain?
Can a single neighbor's word convict an owner?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
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