Long Beach, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Long Beach, 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
- Governing section
- LBMC § 8.80.200(D)
- Standard
- Frequent/continued barking crossing property line
- Exemption
- Public zoos
- Investigating agency
- Noise Control Officer
- Complaint trigger
- Citizen complaint under § 8.80.140
Summary
LBMC § 8.80.200(D) makes it a violation to own, possess or harbor an animal or bird that "frequently or for continued duration howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds" creating a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial property line or in a noise sensitive zone. Public zoos are exempt.
8.80.200 - Noise disturbances—Acts specified. The following acts, and the causing or permitting thereof, are declared to be in violation of this Chapter: ... D. Animals and birds. Owning, possessing or harboring any animal or bird which frequently or for continued duration howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds which create a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real property line or within a noise sensitive zone. This provision shall not apply to public zoos.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
80, and Subsection D targets animal noise directly: "Owning, possessing or harboring any animal or bird which frequently or for continued duration howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds which create a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real property line or within a noise sensitive zone. 200(L) includes areas near hospitals, nursing homes, schools and courts. 130 separately makes it unlawful to willfully make a "loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or which causes any discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness," with factors including proximity to residential sleeping facilities, time of day, and whether the noise is continuous, recurrent or intermittent. 140 measurement and complaint-response procedure, which begins with an investigation triggered by a citizen complaint.
Violations & Fines
A confirmed violation of § 8.80.200(D) is enforceable as a Chapter 8.80 infraction or misdemeanor and can also be pursued through Chapter 9.65's administrative citation program, with fines set by Council resolution that escalate for a second or third violation of the same section within one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times does my neighbor's dog need to bark before it's a violation?
Does the barking-dog rule apply to zoos?
Is there a separate general nuisance-noise rule besides the animal provision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle barking dogs.