Upland, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Upland, 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
- First-offense fine
- $250
- Third-offense fine
- $1,000
- Complaint threshold
- 2 sworn complaints or video evidence
- Courtesy letter cure period
- 15 calendar days
- Enforcing office
- official designated by Chief of Police
Summary
Upland Municipal Code Section 6.04.140 makes habitual howling, yelping or barking that disturbs neighboring parcels a public nuisance. The city requires sworn written complaints from separate households or 30+ minutes of continuous video/audio evidence before it will cite an owner, and fines escalate from $250 to $1,000 within a year.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any dog, cat or other animal or fowl, whether licensed or not, which by habitual howling, yelping, barking or other noise disturbs or annoys the use and enjoyment of neighboring parcels ("nuisance animal noise"). Such keeping or harboring any nuisance animal noise are hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and each day thereof shall constitute a separate offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4480959; v4 updated 2025-09-22).
Full Breakdown
140(A) declares it unlawful to keep or harbor any dog, cat or other animal that 'by habitual howling, yelping, barking or other noise disturbs or annoys the use and enjoyment of neighboring parcels,' terming this 'nuisance animal noise' and a public nuisance, with each day a separate offense. Enforcement, added by Ordinance 1929 in 2017 and amended by Ordinance 1994 in April 2025, is procedural: the enforcement official (designated by the Chief of Police) needs either two sworn written complaints from separate properties within 200 yards of the source, or one sworn complaint plus video with audio showing at least 30 continuous minutes, or 60 intermittent minutes, of the noise in a 24-hour period.
After a complaint, the official sends a courtesy letter giving the owner at least 15 calendar days to fix the problem; if the noise continues, a notice of violation gives another 15 days before a citation can issue, and the citation requires the complainant to sign under penalty of perjury and agree to testify. 140(D) separately bars animals from trespassing to cause property damage, and subsections (E) and (G) require owners to pick up feces immediately and keep animal enclosures free of odor-causing waste.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Section 6.04.140 carries a $250 fine, a second within one year is $500, and each further violation within that year is $1,000; the section is also charged as a misdemeanor and public nuisance under Title 1. The city can pursue administrative citations, criminal prosecution, civil enforcement, and recovery of investigation, prosecution and attorneys' costs under subsection (C)(15).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Upland define a nuisance barking dog?
What proof does the city need before citing my neighbor's dog?
How much is the fine for a barking dog violation?
Do I get a chance to fix the problem before a citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upland
California rules heatmap·Compare Upland to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle barking dogs.