Solano County, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Solano County, 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 Noise Rule
- Solano County Code Sec. 21-10
- Overnight Threshold
- 65 dBA at property line, 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Zoning Animal-Noise Rule
- Chapter 28, Art. III (adequate enclosures)
- Enforcement
- Solano County Animal Services / Sheriff
- Nuisance Penalties
- $100/$200/$500 (Sec. 10-24)
Summary
In unincorporated Solano County, the county's general noise standard in Solano County Code Sec. 21-10 captures barking dogs as 'loud or unusual noise.' The county Animal Services and Sheriff handle barking-dog complaints, and persistent barking that exceeds 65 dBA at the property line overnight, or that maliciously disturbs neighbors at any hour, is enforceable as a disturbance of the peace.
The keeping or harboring of any dog, cat or other animal or fowl, whether licensed or not, which by habitual howling, yelping, barking or other noise disturbs or annoys persons in the neighborhood, is unlawful and is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 1868, passed April 9, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Solano County does not regulate barking dogs through a standalone decibel ordinance in Chapter 21; instead, persistent barking is addressed as 'loud or unusual noise' under Solano County Code Sec. 21-10 (Disturbing the Peace). as a per se disturbance (Ord. No. 1830). Separately, the county zoning ordinance (Chapter 28, Article III) provides that small animals which create noise audible on adjacent properties deemed excessive or not in harmony with the suburban environment must be confined within enclosures adequate to reduce noise so it does not create a public nuisance.
Solano County Animal Services and the Sheriff respond to barking complaints in the unincorporated area; chronic cases may be abated as nuisances under Chapter 10. California Penal Code Sec. 415 provides additional statewide authority. ) have their own animal-noise ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Barking that violates Sec. 21-10 is a misdemeanor disturbance of the peace, punishable under Sec. 1-21 by up to six months jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Chronic barking can also be pursued as a public nuisance under Chapter 10, where administrative penalties for ordinary ordinance violations run $100 first offense, $200 second within a year, and $500 for third and subsequent (Sec. 10-24).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a barking-dog ordinance in unincorporated Solano County?
What can I do about a neighbor's constantly barking dog in unincorporated Solano County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Solano County
California rules heatmap·Compare Solano County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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