Tulare County, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Animal noise in the unincorporated County is governed by Chapter 4-07 (Control of Animals) of the Tulare County Ordinance Code, enforced by the County's Animal Services Division. Section 4-07-3300(A)(1) makes it unlawful for any animal owner to permit an animal to 'obstruct the reasonable and comfortable use of property in any neighborhood or community by chasing vehicles, molesting passersby, barking, howling or making other noise.' The definition of 'Animal Nuisance' in Section 4-07-1400 specifically includes 'making a chronic, continuous excessively loud or disturbing noise of more than a fifteen (15) minute duration per incident' that prevents residents from the quiet enjoyment of their property (citing Health & Safety Code Section 46000); it expressly excludes 'periodic barking or other utterances of short duration.' Any violation is declared a public nuisance (Section 4-07-3300(B)). Animal Services may investigate on a written complaint; if only one person resides or works within 300 feet, that single person's written affirmation is enough, otherwise two persons from separate residences are needed (Section 4-07-3300(C)). The County may issue a Corrective Action Plan or an administrative abatement order before escalating.