Santa Cruz, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Santa Cruz, 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
- Code Section
- SCMC 9.36.010(b)
- Quiet Hours
- 10:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.
- Daytime Rule
- Unreasonably disturbing noise barred anytime (9.36.020)
Summary
Santa Cruz's noise ordinance expressly names barking or howling dogs as 'offensive noise,' which is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and may be unreasonably disturbing at any hour.
(b) "Offensive noise" means any noise which is loud, boisterous, irritating, penetrating, or unusual, or that is unreasonably distracting in any other manner, such that it is likely to disturb people in the vicinity of such noise, and includes, but is not limited to, noise made by barking or howling dogs, by an individual alone or by a group of people engaged in any business meeting, gathering, game, dance, or amusement, or by any appliance, contrivance, device, structure, construction, ride, machine, implement, or instrument.
Full Breakdown
Unlike many cities that bury animal noise in a separate animal-control chapter, Santa Cruz lists it directly in the noise curfew. SCMC 9.36.010(b) defines 'offensive noise' to expressly 'include, but [not be] limited to, noise made by barking or howling dogs.' During curfew hours (10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.) such noise is prohibited when made within 100 feet of a sleeping area or when it disturbs anyone within hearing distance (9.36.010(a)). At any time of day, persistent dog noise that is unreasonably disturbing or physically annoying to people of ordinary sensitiveness can also violate SCMC 9.36.020. Animal-control and licensing matters are handled by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter under a joint-powers agreement, but the noise itself is a city code-enforcement matter.
Violations & Fines
Infraction for a first offense; a repeat violation of the same section within 48 hours of citation is a misdemeanor under SCMC 9.36.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a barking dog a noise violation in Santa Cruz?
Who do I report a barking dog to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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