Tulare County, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Tulare 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
- Animal nuisance prohibition
- Ord. Code 4-07-3300(A)(1)
- Chronic-noise threshold
- Over 15 minutes per incident (4-07-1400 definition)
- Short barking
- Periodic/short-duration barking excluded
- Complaint requirement
- Usually 2 residents (1 if alone within 300 ft)
- Citation penalties
- $100 / $200 / $500 (4-07-2200)
Summary
Unincorporated Tulare County prohibits animal noise as a public nuisance. Ordinance Code Section 4-07-3300 bars owners from permitting an animal to disturb a neighborhood by barking, howling, or other noise, and the definition in Section 4-07-1400 treats chronic loud noise over 15 minutes per incident as an Animal Nuisance.
No owner of any animal shall do any of the following: 1. Permit such animal to obstruct the reasonable and comfortable use of property in any neighborhood or community by chasing vehicles, molesting passersby, barking, howling or making other noise.
Full Breakdown
Animal noise in the unincorporated County is governed by Chapter 4-07 (Control of Animals) of the Tulare County Ordinance Code, enforced by the County's Animal Services Division. ' Any violation is declared a public nuisance (Section 4-07-3300(B)). Animal Services may investigate on a written complaint; if only one person resides or works within 300 feet, that single person's written affirmation is enough, otherwise two persons from separate residences are needed (Section 4-07-3300(C)). The County may issue a Corrective Action Plan or an administrative abatement order before escalating.
Violations & Fines
Animal Services may issue administrative citations under Section 4-07-2200: penalties shall not exceed $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same abatement order within one year, and $500 for each additional violation within one year. Unabated nuisances may be referred to the District Attorney for prosecution, and a neighbor may also bring a private nuisance action under Civil Code Section 3493. Report barking dogs to Tulare County Animal Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog bark before it is a violation in unincorporated Tulare County?
Who handles barking dog complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulare County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tulare County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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