Barking dog rules in San Francisco, 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 Francisco Health Code §41 defines a 'barking dog' as one that barks continuously for 10 minutes disturbing another person. Two unrelated residents within 300 feet may sign an affidavit requesting a police citation. Fines up to $500. Owner has a duty to abate the nuisance under §41.12.
Health Code §41(i) defines 'Barking Dog' as a dog that barks, bays, cries, or howls continuously and incessantly for 10 minutes to the disturbance of any other person. §41.12 imposes a duty on owners to abate any nuisance created by their dog. To obtain a citation, two unrelated persons living in different households within 300 feet must sign a complaint with SFPD. Enforcement is complaint-driven; SFPD does not proactively dispatch for barking. Violations may be infractions or misdemeanors depending on severity.
Fine up to $500; potential misdemeanor for severe or repeated violations. §41.13 covers penalties.
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See how San Francisco's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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