Shoreline, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 9.05.070(B) of the Shoreline Municipal Code names domesticated animal noise as one of the enumerated public nuisance sources: frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds made by any domesticated animal that unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace of residents are unlawful, with a carve-out for a lawfully operated animal shelter, commercial kennel, or veterinary office between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on weekends. A dog that barks continuously in a backyard, or a cat that howls repeatedly indoors, meets the definition once the noise is frequent or continuous and unreasonably disturbs a neighbor, regardless of decibel level.

The chapter's general standard, printed in the opening sentence of § 9.05.070, backs this up: it is unlawful to knowingly cause or allow sound from one's property that unreasonably annoys, injures, interferes with, or endangers another person's comfort, repose or health. Because Regional Animal Services of King County handles Shoreline's animal control by contract, a chronic barking complaint is typically routed through that agency or the city's own code enforcement officer, and either can refer the matter for a civil infraction under § 9.05.090. That section sets a $100.00 fine per violation, with each day of continuing noise counted separately, and lets a cited owner appeal to the King County District Court, West Division, in Shoreline. A variance process exists under § 9.05.080 for an owner who cannot immediately abate a noise source for documented economic or physical reasons.