Showing ordinances that apply to George Mason, VA
George Mason is an unincorporated community (population 11,162) in Fairfax County, Virginia. Because George Mason is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Fairfax County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The barking dogs rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Fairfax County prohibits dogs that bark, howl, or make other noise continuously or habitually for 10 minutes or more, or intermittently for 30 minutes or more, when plainly audible across a residential property line. Enforced under Chapter 41.1 (animals) and Chapter 108 (noise).
Fairfax County addresses barking dogs through both its Animal Control Ordinance (Chapter 41.1) and its Noise Ordinance (Chapter 108). A dog barking continuously for 10 minutes, or intermittently for 30 minutes or more, that is plainly audible across a residential property line constitutes a violation. Animal Protection Police officers within the Fairfax County Police Department investigate complaints and typically issue a warning on the first visit, followed by a summons on subsequent calls. Complainants may need to sign a sworn complaint and testify in General District Court for prosecution. Penalties are Class 4 misdemeanors on first offense (fines up to $250) and can escalate. The county recommends complainants first attempt to contact the dog owner directly or through a mediator before involving law enforcement. Persistent nuisance-barking cases sometimes result in the dog being declared a public nuisance, requiring the owner to take corrective action such as bark collars, indoor confinement during certain hours, or surrender. Fairfax County does not use breed-based criteria in these determinations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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