Forsyth County, NC Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Forsyth County, NC, 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
- Trigger
- Frequent or long-continued animal noise
- Applies
- Any time, day or night
- Farm exemption
- Lawful farm operations protected
- Citation
- Forsyth County Code Sec. 15-1(b)(3)
- Penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500
Summary
Forsyth County Code Sec. 15-1 lists keeping any animal whose frequent or long-continued noise disturbs a reasonable neighbor as a prohibited "loud, disturbing" noise at any time of day or night. Lawful farm operations are expressly protected from this rule.
The keeping of any animal which, by causing frequent or long continued noise, shall frighten or disturb the quiet comfort and repose of any reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities in the vicinity, however, the provisions of this ordinance are preempted by state laws relating to farming and may not interfere with lawful farm operations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
Under Forsyth County Sec. 15-1(b)(3), the keeping of any animal that, by frequent or long-continued noise, frightens or disturbs the quiet comfort and repose of a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities is a violation, applicable day or night. The section is expressly preempted by state farming laws and cannot interfere with lawful farm operations, so agricultural livestock noise is treated differently. Winston-Salem incorporates this county ordinance citywide via Sec. 46-2. Persistent barking is typically handled by Forsyth County Animal Services alongside the noise ordinance. Enforcement uses the reasonable-person, plainly-audible standard, not a decibel reading.
Violations & Fines
Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, up to $500; county may pursue a civil penalty recoverable as a debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much barking is a violation?
Does the rule cover farm animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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