Napa, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

NMC 6.04.220 sits in Title 6 (Animals) rather than the noise chapter. It targets the keeping or harboring of any dog that habitually barks, howls, or yelps to the great discomfort of the peace and quiet of the neighborhood or in such manner as to materially disturb or annoy persons in the neighborhood who are of ordinary sensibilities. Once that standard is met the dog is declared a public nuisance. The City's typical enforcement track starts with an informational packet sent to the dog owner and the complainant explaining the ordinance and asking the complainant to keep a written log of dates, times, and durations of the barking. After a documented pattern is established, Napa Police or Animal Services can issue a citation. Severe or repeated nuisance behavior can escalate to a vicious-or-nuisance-animal hearing. A separate small-claims action by a private neighbor is also available under California civil nuisance law. Watchdog barking that is briefly responsive to an actual intrusion is generally not actionable under the 'habitual' standard, but barking that continues at length after the trigger has passed will support a citation.