Lima, OH Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Lima, OH, 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
- City rule
- Lima C.O. 648.20
- State dog law
- ORC 955.22
- Standard
- Unreasonable disturbance
- Dog authority
- Allen County Dog Warden
- First fine
- $100
Summary
Persistent barking or animal noise that disturbs neighbors is enforceable in Lima as a 'noise disturbance' under Codified Ordinance 648.20. Ohio Revised Code 955.22 separately requires owners to keep dogs under reasonable control.
The owner, keeper, or harborer of any dog shall keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises... by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or secure enclosure to prevent escape, or keep the dog under the reasonable control of some person.
Full Breakdown
Lima addresses habitual barking, howling, or other animal noise through the general noise-disturbance standard of Codified Ordinance 648.20, which prohibits any unreasonably loud, raucous, or unnecessary noise that disturbs a person of ordinary sensibilities across a property boundary. Ohio law (ORC 955.22) additionally requires every dog owner, keeper, or harborer to physically confine or restrain the dog or keep it under the reasonable control of some person. There is no fixed number of barking minutes in Lima's code; enforcement turns on whether the noise unreasonably disturbs the neighborhood. Complaints go to Lima Police, and dog-control issues to the Allen County Dog Warden.
Violations & Fines
Noise-disturbance fines under 648.20 are $100/$250/$500 for first/second/third convictions within a year. ORC 955.22 confinement violations are a minor misdemeanor escalating with repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog bark before it violates Lima's code?
Who do I call about a constantly barking dog in Lima?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lima
Compare Lima to another location·View the Ohio noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.