Barking dog rules in Santa Monica, 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.
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04 prohibits allowing any animal to bark, yell, or cry for more than 5 continuous minutes or 15 total minutes in any 60-minute period. This is one of the strictest barking dog standards in Los Angeles County. Animal Control Officers enforce the ordinance.
Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.04 (Animals) establishes strict animal noise standards. No person shall permit or allow any animal under their ownership, custody, or control to bark, yell, or cry for more than 5 continuous minutes or for 15 total minutes in any 60-minute period. This standard applies at all hours. Animal Control Officers have the power and authority of public officers to make arrests without warrant when they have reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred. The enforcement process includes complaints filed with Animal Control, investigation, notice to the animal owner, and escalation to citations if the problem persists. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Community Noise Officer may appeal to the City's Hearing Examiner under Chapter 6.16 procedures. The decision of the Hearing Examiner is final except for judicial review.
Animal noise violations are subject to administrative citations and fines. Repeat offenders may face misdemeanor charges. Animals that are chronic noise nuisances may be subject to removal orders. Appeals go through the City's Hearing Examiner.
Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle barking dogs.
See how Santa Monica's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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