Barking dog rules in Riverside, CA — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
RMC § 7.35.010(B)(3) makes it unlawful to harbor any animal or bird that frequently or for a continued duration howls, barks, meows, or squawks so as to create a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial property line.
Unlike many California cities, Riverside places its barking-dog rule inside the noise ordinance rather than the animal control title. RMC § 7.35.010(B)(3) prohibits owning, possessing, or permitting the harboring of any animal or bird that 'frequently or for a continued duration' howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds that create a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial property line. 'Noise disturbance' is defined at § 7.10.125 as any sound that endangers or injures the safety or health of humans or animals, or annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities. Enforcement runs through Code Enforcement and the Riverside Police Department per § 7.15.005. The City's Animal Services Division also accepts nuisance complaints and provides the standard packet for documenting incidents.
Title 7 fine schedule under § 7.15.010 applies: $500 / $750 / $1,000. Violations may also be charged as a misdemeanor or infraction; each day is a separate offense (§ 7.15.005(C)). Complainants typically document dates, times, and duration of barking - Riverside's Nuisance Complaint Packet (Public Works/Animal Services) is the intake mechanism.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle barking dogs.
See how Riverside's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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