Novato, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 3-1.20 of the Novato animal control ordinance reaches any dog, cat, fowl or other animal whose habitual noise unreasonably disturbs the peace of any person. The trigger for nuisance status is repetition: repeated acts after the receipt of a request to address the disturbance constitute a public nuisance. Two exemptions are printed. An animal kennel regulated by a use permit under the Novato Municipal Code is outside the section, and so are the customary animal noises of livestock, horses or other animals kept for agricultural activities in areas zoned or legally permitted for such purposes, such as farms, ranches and stables.

The code lays out a step-by-step response. When the owner is present and available, a police officer or sheriff notifies the keeper of the noise violation and directs that it be abated. If a second complaint arrives from any person within 30 days of the notice, a citation can be issued. When an animal makes noise for less than a half hour of continuous noise and the owner is not at the premises, the first complaint produces a written notice that a further violation will result in a citation, and posting the notice securely on the door of the premises is sufficient. Officers can recommend county mediation to the complainant and the owner. If mediation is refused or unsuccessful at the end of the 30 business days, the direction to abate stays in place.

When the owner cannot be found, the officer can cite on the first complaint if an investigation and an interview of the complainant show that the noise has persisted for more than one-half hour and cannot be abated or quieted. The officer can also refer the case to animal services, which can take the animal into protective custody on grounds of abuse, neglect or any other ground within its authority. The owner redeems the animal by showing identity and any required license, and by paying the charges in § 3-1.16 and the fees set by the County of Marin fee schedule.

An owner whose animal is taken into protective custody under this section is entitled to a hearing before an officer designated by the Marin County Administrator. The hearing is held within ten business days of the taking if the owner files a written request within five business days following written notice, and the owner is liable for the charges unless the hearing officer decides otherwise. The zoning side points the same direction: § 19.34.060 requires animal keeping to comply with the noise standards of § 19.22.060.