Spokane Valley, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Spokane Valley, WA, 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
- Citywide noise ordinance
- Excludes dog noise (§ 8.25.060(B)(2))
- Only direct anti-bark rule
- City parks only (§ 6.05.060(J)(4))
- Park violation class
- Class 3 infraction
- Off-park animal complaints
- Handled under adopted Spokane County Code
Summary
Spokane Valley's citywide noise ordinance specifically excludes dog barking from its coverage, pointing instead to the park rules chapter. The only codified anti-barking rule bars pets from barking continuously or disturbing others while inside a city park.
Any other sound occurring frequently, repetitively or continuously which annoys or disturbs the peace, comfort or repose of a reasonable person of normal sensitivity. This section shall not apply to noncommercial public speaking and public assembly activities conducted on any public space or public right-of-way for which a permit has been obtained. Additionally, this section shall not apply to noises produced by dogs, which is addressed in SVMC § 6.05.070(K)(4).
Full Breakdown
25 SVMC. 060(J)(4) bars any pet owner from permitting their pet to 'bark or make noise continuously or otherwise unreasonably disturb the peace and tranquility of other park users' while in a City park, open space, or trail. 010, with any reference to 'Spokane County' construed to mean the City. Residents with a persistent barking-dog problem outside a park would need to pursue it under those adopted county animal-control provisions rather than the City's own noise chapter.
Violations & Fines
Violating the park pet-noise rule under SVMC § 6.05.060(J)(4) is a Class 3 infraction under SVMC § 6.05.070. General noise-ordinance penalties under SVMC § 8.25.060(D), a misdemeanor, do not apply to dog barking because that chapter explicitly exempts dog noise from its scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report a neighbor's barking dog under Spokane Valley's noise ordinance?
Is there any Spokane Valley rule against dogs barking?
Where does Spokane Valley handle dog nuisance complaints outside of parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane Valley
Compare Spokane Valley to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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