Barking dog rules in San Clemente, 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.
San Clemente prohibits animal noise, including dog barking, that unreasonably disturbs neighbors under SCMC §6.24.040. Barking heard beyond the property for 30 continuous minutes, or intermittently for 60 minutes, is a prohibited nuisance.
Under SCMC §6.24.040 (added by Ord. No. 1797, Nov. 2025), no person may keep any animal whose sound unreasonably disturbs the peace and comfort of the neighborhood. Prohibited noise expressly includes dog barking heard beyond the lot for a continuous period of 30 minutes or more, or intermittent noise for 60 minutes or more. A violation may be established by three witnesses who live at different addresses and provide individual sworn declarations under penalty of perjury describing the time and nature of the noise. The Chapter 8.48 general nuisance provision (§8.48.070(E)) also lists frequent or long-continued animal noise as a prohibited noise. San Clemente contracts animal services through the County; enforcement is via the City.
A barking-dog nuisance under §6.24.040 is enforceable via SCMC §1.16.010 as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000/six months) or infraction ($100/$200/$500 for repeats), plus administrative fines, with each day a separate offense.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle barking dogs.
See how San Clemente's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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