Gaithersburg, MD Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Gaithersburg, MD, 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
- City Code § 4-4(a)(3)
- Covers
- Dogs, cats, fowl, pigeons, rabbits
- Standard
- Continued/repeated noise causing unreasonable annoyance
- Enforcement
- Animal control officer + animal control board
- Extra remedy
- City may seek injunctive relief, § 4-2(b)
Summary
Continued, repeated barking, howling or whining from a dog (or other animal) that causes unreasonable annoyance or disturbance to neighbors is declared an 'animal public nuisance' under City Code § 4-4(a)(3), enforced by the animal control officer regardless of what species is making the noise.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any animal including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, fowl, domestic pigeons or rabbits, on any property located within the corporate limits of the city when the keeping of such animal constitutes a nuisance, or a menace to public health or safety. The term "animal public nuisance" shall be deemed to include, but not be necessarily limited to, any animal that:...(3)Makes disturbing noises, including, but not necessarily limited to, continued and repeated howling, barking, whining or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 4-4(a) bars keeping any animal, including dogs, cats, fowl, domestic pigeons or rabbits, in a way that constitutes a nuisance or menace to public health or safety anywhere within city limits. Paragraph (a)(3) specifically defines an 'animal public nuisance' to include an animal that makes disturbing noises, 'including, but not necessarily limited to, continued and repeated howling, barking, whining or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored.' The definition of 'animal public nuisance' in § 4-1 extends this to conduct occurring on private or public property, or on a common thoroughfare, sidewalk, bikepath, play area or shared HOA/condominium grounds. A complaint typically goes to the animal control officer, who can issue a notice of violation, and the chapter's animal control board can hold administrative proceedings and impose an administrative charge separate from any municipal infraction citation.
Violations & Fines
A sustained barking or noise nuisance under § 4-4(a)(3) is a municipal infraction enforceable under § 1-9 pursuant to § 4-2(a), with the maximum penalty for each initial and repeat violation set by city council resolution and each incident treated as a separate offense. The animal control board may impose an administrative charge in addition to any citation, and the city may seek injunctive or mandamus relief under § 4-2(b) to stop an ongoing nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a barking dog against the law in Gaithersburg?
Who do I complain to about a neighbor's noisy dog?
What penalty can a chronic barking-dog owner face?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gaithersburg
Compare Gaithersburg to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Montgomery County handle barking dogs.