Lynnwood, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Lynnwood, WA, 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
- LMC 10.12.300(B)(8)
- Standard
- Frequent or habitual barking/noise
- Also covers
- Animal pounds and holding facilities
- Enforcing agency
- Lynnwood Police Department
- Penalty class
- Misdemeanor, LMC 10.12.800
Summary
Lynnwood, Washington makes it a noise disturbance to own, keep, possess or harbor an animal that frequently or habitually howls, barks or makes other noise, under LMC 10.12.300(B)(8). The rule expressly reaches animal pounds and other facilities that hold or treat animals, not just private pet owners.
8. Owning, keeping, possessing, or harboring any animal which by frequent or habitual howling, barking, or other noisemaking, causes noise disturbance. The provisions of this section shall also apply to all private or public facilities, including any animal pounds, which hold or treat animals;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3512, passed May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
12 noise ordinance and specifically addresses animal noise: it is unlawful to own, keep, possess, or harbor any animal which by frequent or habitual howling, barking, or other noisemaking causes a noise disturbance, and the section states plainly that the same rule applies to all private or public facilities, including any animal pounds, which hold or treat animals. 100 as any sound which annoys, disturbs, or perturbs reasonable persons with normal sensitivities, or which injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, hearing, peace or safety of others, so an occasional bark is not enough; the barking has to be frequent or habitual and objectively disturbing. 12 noise-disturbance rule is the section that actually governs barking as a noise complaint. 700(A). 800.
Violations & Fines
Owning, keeping, possessing or harboring an animal whose frequent or habitual barking, howling or noisemaking disturbs neighbors is a misdemeanor under LMC 10.12.800, enforced by the Lynnwood Police Department under LMC 10.12.700(A) as a violation of LMC 10.12.300(B)(8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is barking dog noise illegal in Lynnwood?
Does the barking rule apply to shelters or boarding kennels?
What happens if my neighbor's dog keeps barking and I complain?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lynnwood
Compare Lynnwood to another location·View the Washington 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 Snohomish County handle barking dogs.