Renton, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

RMC 6-6-5(A) makes it a violation for any owner to keep or harbor a dog, cat or other animal or fowl, licensed or not, that emits habitual howling, yelping, barking or other frequent, long, or continued noise that would disturb a reasonable person. The standard is objective: whether the noise would disturb a reasonable person, not just the specific complainant, and it applies regardless of whether the animal is licensed. The Chapter graduates the penalty by repeat offense: the first or second violation is a civil infraction, while any subsequent violation of the same subsection is elevated to a misdemeanor.

All violations of Chapter 6-6 are separately declared a public nuisance under RMC 6-6-13(A), which lets the City's code compliance inspector order the owner to take steps necessary to abate the nuisance and prevent continuing or repeated violations, in addition to any infraction or misdemeanor penalty. RMC 6-6-13(B) confirms that except where a provision is specifically identified as a misdemeanor, chapter violations default to civil infractions, with misdemeanors punished as provided in RMC 1-3-1. Police animals being exhibited, exercised or used in official duty are exempt from the entire chapter, including the noise provision, under RMC 6-6-13(C).