Nevada County, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

The County of Nevada (California) regulates barking and other animal noise through its Animal Control ordinance, Nevada County Code Section G-IV 1.50 (Nuisances by Animals). The ordinance states it is 'unlawful and a nuisance for any person owning or having control of any animal to allow or to permit any animal' to 'utter any frequent or continuous noise of an irritating or raucous nature which disturbs the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood for a period of twenty (20) minutes or more in an hour.' The 20-minutes-in-an-hour threshold is the key measurable standard. The ordinance also provides that if the nuisance is continuous and no responsible person can be located, an Animal Control or Peace Officer may attempt to abate it (without entering an enclosed building or residence), and as a last resort the animal may be impounded, with notice affixed to the premises and mailed to the owner. Animal Control is operated by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office. Residents document complaints using the County's Barking Dog Log, which can be submitted to Animal Control; for first-time offenses the dog's owner is mailed a notice of complaint before further enforcement steps.