Cupertino, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Cupertino, CA, 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
- Muni Code § 10.48.061
- Standard
- habitual disturbance, no fixed dBA
- Enforcing official
- Noise Control Officer
- First step
- warning under § 10.48.011
Summary
It is unlawful and a nuisance for anyone to keep an animal, including fowl, that habitually disturbs the peace by sound or cry under Municipal Code § 10.48.061, enforced by the Noise Control Officer.
It is unlawful and a nuisance for any person to keep, maintain or permit upon any lot or parcel of land within the City under his control any animal, including any fowl, which by any sound or cry shall habitually disturb the peace and comfort of any person in the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property.
Full Breakdown
061, titled "Animals and Birds," declares it unlawful and a nuisance for any person to keep, maintain or permit upon any lot or parcel of land within the city under his control any animal, including any fowl, which by any sound or cry habitually disturbs the peace and comfort of any person in the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property. 011, and continuing violations after that warning support a citation, complaint, or abatement order. 032 evaluates case by case based on complaints received.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 10.48.061 is a misdemeanor under § 10.48.070, carrying a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both under Chapter 1.12, though the City Attorney may instead charge it as an infraction with fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for later repeats, and each day the disturbance continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal for a dog to bark constantly in Cupertino?
Is there a decibel limit for barking dogs specifically?
Who handles a barking dog complaint in Cupertino?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle barking dogs.