Lake Elsinore, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

LEMC 6.04.245 declares it a public nuisance for anyone to let an animal in their care bark, howl, cry or make noise that annoys or offends neighbors and disturbs the peace of the neighborhood. On a complaint, the Sheriff's Department or an Animal Control Officer investigates, and if the nuisance is confirmed, or a signed complaint is filed under penalty of perjury, the responsible party gets a written noisy animal warning notice; the Animal Control Director tries to speak with them within five days and will void the notice if the noise turns out to have been provoked and not excessive or habitual.

A second complaint at the same address within six months triggers a hearing before the Lake Elsinore Animal Friends Animal Control Hearing Officer, held in the open with evidence and witnesses, followed by a written determination within 10 working days; the owner then has five days to comply. Remedies the hearing officer can order include confining the animal indoors, a noise-suppression device, obedience training, restricted outdoor hours, debarking, permanent removal from the property and City, or impoundment under the fee schedule in 6.04.020. Any second Sheriff or Animal Control response within six months of a warning notice also triggers a noisy animal response charge billed by the Finance Department, payable in 30 days, appealable in writing to the Animal Control Director within 15 days and set for a hearing within 15 business days.