Pasco, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Pasco, 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
- Noise threshold
- Continuous, over 5 minutes
- Measured from
- Inside a structure off owner's property
- Condition
- Noise must be unprovoked
- Penalty type
- Civil infraction, escalating
- Governing section
- PMC 6.05.350
Summary
A Pasco animal violates the noise ordinance if it can be heard continuously inside a structure off the owner's property for more than five minutes without provocation. Habitual barking that disturbs others' health, safety or repose is unlawful.
It is unlawful for any person owning or harboring an animal to allow or permit such animal to cause serious or habitual disturbance or annoyance by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking or otherwise noisy conduct, which shall annoy, injure or endanger safety, health, comfort or repose of others. An animal is harbored in violation of this section if, without provocation, it makes noise which can be heard continuously within an enclosed structure off its owner's property for more than five minutes.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).
Full Breakdown
350 makes it unlawful for any person owning or harboring an animal to allow it to cause serious or habitual disturbance or annoyance through frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, or other noisy conduct that annoys, injures, or endangers the safety, health, comfort, or repose of others. The section supplies a specific evidentiary test: an animal is harbored in violation if, without provocation, it makes noise that can be heard continuously within an enclosed structure off its owner's property for more than five minutes. 030 (stray animals at large), all of which authorize seizure and impoundment for qualifying violations. 370, which escalates the minimum fine for repeat violations within a five-year window and adds court costs.
Violations & Fines
A PMC 6.05.350 violation is a civil infraction under PMC 6.05.370(1), carrying an escalating minimum penalty set in Chapter 3.35 PMC for first, second, third, and fourth-or-more violations within five years, plus court costs and assessments. Each day the disturbance continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dog have to bark before it violates Pasco's noise rule?
Does the barking have to be provoked to count as a violation in Pasco?
What is the penalty for a barking dog complaint in Pasco?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasco
Compare Pasco to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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