Imperial County, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Imperial County addresses barking dogs and other animal noise directly in its noise ordinance. Title 9, Division 7, Section 90703.02(C) declares it a disturbing, excessive or offensive noise to keep, maintain, or permit to be kept on any premises any animal or animals which, by frequent or long-continued noise, cause annoyance or discomfort to a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness in the vicinity. The ordinance sets an objective threshold for proving a violation: noise from the animal that disturbs two or more residents living in separate residences adjacent to any part of the property where the animal is kept, or three or more residents living in separate residences in close proximity to that property, is prima facie evidence of a violation. This multi-household standard means a single complaining neighbor may not be enough on its own; corroboration from neighboring households strengthens an enforcement case. Animal noise also falls under the general prohibition in Section 90703.00 against noise that disturbs a reasonable person, and factors such as time of day, duration, and whether the noise is recurrent or constant are weighed. Complaints in unincorporated areas are handled by Code Enforcement within Planning & Development Services, often in coordination with Animal Control and the Sheriff. This is separate from any leash or licensing requirements in the County's animal regulations.