Garden Grove, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Garden Grove, 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
- Barking threshold
- 30 min continuous or 60 min intermittent/24 hrs
- 1st citation fine
- $250
- 6th+ citation fine (same 12 months)
- $403
- Late payment penalty
- fine doubles after 15 days
- Statutory authority
- Gov't Code Sec. 53069.4
- Hearing request
- at date/time on citation
Summary
Garden Grove treats a dog as a "barking dog" once it barks incessantly for 30 minutes or intermittently for 60 minutes within any 24-hour period, per Municipal Code Section 6.05.020. Chapter 6.05 lets the City issue escalating civil fines starting at $250 instead of pursuing a criminal case for each violation.
"Barking dog" means a dog that barks, bays, cries, howls, or makes any noise for an extended period of time to the disturbance of any person at any time of day or night, regardless of whether the dog is physically situated in or upon private property. Such extended period of time shall consist of incessant barking for 30 minutes or more in any 24-hour period, or intermittent barking for 60 minutes or more during any 24-hour period. ... Fine for first barking dog violation citation issued (per citation): $250.00
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4903654; v10 updated 2026-05-12).
Full Breakdown
04's criminal infraction/misdemeanor scheme, while expressly preserving the City's ability to pursue other civil or criminal nuisance remedies instead. 020 defines a "barking dog" as one that barks, bays, cries, or howls for an extended period disturbing any person, specifying that threshold as incessant barking for 30 minutes or more, or intermittent barking for 60 minutes or more, in any 24-hour period; a dog is not a "barking dog" if it was reacting to a trespasser or was being teased or provoked. 060 sets a rising fine schedule per citation within the same 12-month period: $250 for the first, $275 for the second, $303 for the third, $333 for the fourth, $366 for the fifth, and $403 for the sixth and any later citation.
Any fine unpaid within 15 days of its due date doubles, since the late penalty equals the original fine amount. 080(B). 080(A) also references an initial 10-day correction period a violator can invoke as a defense.
Violations & Fines
Civil fines escalate per citation within a 12-month period: $250 first offense, $275 second, $303 third, $333 fourth, $366 fifth, and $403 for the sixth and later citations under Section 6.05.060(A). A fine unpaid within 15 days doubles as a late penalty under 6.05.060(B). Paying a fine does not excuse correcting the violation, and the City may still pursue additional citations or other nuisance remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much noise makes a dog a "barking dog" under Garden Grove law?
How much is the fine for a barking dog citation in Garden Grove?
What happens if I don't pay a barking dog fine on time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garden Grove
California rules heatmap·Compare Garden Grove to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle barking dogs.