Kalamazoo, MI Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 7-3's NUISANCE definition is not limited to noise; it also covers foul or offensive odors, unsanitary conditions, and chasing pedestrians, bicycles or motor vehicles, but habitually disturbing noise is the clause that reaches a constantly barking dog. Section 7-11, in Chapter 7's general article, bars any owner from keeping any animal that causes a public nuisance as defined in § 7-3, so the rule reaches cats, fowl and other animals as well as dogs. Section 7-23, in the dogs article, separately and more narrowly bars an owner from harboring a dog that commits that nuisance.

Because both sections point back to the same § 7-3 definition, a resident complaining about a neighbor's dog barking habitually enough to disturb the area can cite either provision, and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety or the Kalamazoo County animal control officer, both authorized to enforce Chapter 7 under § 7-2, can issue a summons or appearance ticket once the habitual disturbance is established.