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San Francisco, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

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.

Key Facts

Bark threshold
10 continuous minutes
Complaint radius
300 feet, 2 households
Complaint process
Signed affidavit to police
Provocation defense
No violation if dog was teased

Summary

San Francisco bans keeping a dog that barks continuously for 10 minutes and disturbs others, letting neighbors request a police citation against the owner.

Any person who shall keep or permit to remain on any premises within the City and County of San Francisco any "Barking Dog" as defined in Section 41(i) of this Code, is guilty of a violation of this ordinance, provided that, during the time the dog is barking, no person is trespassing...or teasing or provoking the dog.

Source: SF.gov – Report a barking dogView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Health Code Sec. 41 defines a 'Barking Dog' as one that barks, bays, cries, howls or makes noise continuously and incessantly for 10 minutes to another person's disturbance. Sec. 41.12(d) makes it a violation for any owner to keep or permit a Barking Dog on their premises, unless the dog was provoked or someone was trespassing. Under Sec. 41.12(e), two unrelated people from different households within 300 feet who are disturbed can sign an affidavit and request a police citation against the owner.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a Barking Dog under the Sec. 41 definition violates Sec. 41.12(d); two disturbed neighbors from different households within 300 feet can sign an affidavit under Sec. 41.12(e) to request a police citation against the dog's owner or guardian.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must a dog bark before it's a violation in San Francisco?
The dog must bark, bay, cry or howl continuously and incessantly for 10 minutes to disturb another person, per Health Code Sec. 41's Barking Dog definition.
How do I file a barking dog complaint in SF?
Two unrelated people from different households within 300 feet of the disturbance can sign an affidavit and ask a police officer to cite the owner under Sec. 41.12(e).

Sources & Official References

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All San Francisco rules

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