Waukegan, IL Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Waukegan, IL, 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
- Governing section
- Waukegan Code § 4-8
- Noise threshold
- Louder than conversation at 50 feet
- First offense fine
- $25.00 plus costs
- Repeat offense fine
- $50.00, then $150.00 for 3rd+
- Continuing violation
- Each day counts as separate offense
Summary
Waukegan Code § 4-8 bans letting a dog or other animal make excessive noise, like continual barking or howling louder than normal conversation at 50 feet, that disturbs a neighbor's peace. Fines escalate from $25.00 for a first offense to $150.00 for a third or later offense, with each day a separate violation.
Excessive noise means any continued, repeated or habitual barking, whining, crying, howling, whimpering, crowing, or other loud noise common to an animal's species that occurs repeatedly throughout the day or night, and is louder than the average conversational level at a distance of 50 feet or more. ... (b)Conduct prohibited. It shall be unlawful for a person who owns, controls, has possession of, or is charged with the responsibility for caring for any dog or other animal, to allow such animal to make excessive noise in a manner that unnecessarily disturbs the comfort, quiet, peace or repose of any other person in the vicinity. ... (d)Penalty. Any person who violates this section shall be fined $25.00 for the first offense, $50.00 for the second offense, and $150.00 for the third or any subsequent offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 113).
Full Breakdown
Section 4-8 defines "excessive noise" as any continued, repeated, or habitual barking, whining, crying, howling, whimpering, crowing, or other loud noise common to the animal's species that recurs throughout the day or night and is louder than average conversational volume measured at a distance of 50 feet or more. Subsection (b) makes it unlawful for anyone who owns, controls, possesses, or is responsible for caring for a dog or other animal to let it make that kind of noise in a way that unnecessarily disturbs another person's comfort, quiet, peace, or repose.
Enforcement doesn't require a device or decibel meter: a citation can issue either from a city officer or employee's personal observation of the violation, or from a signed complaint by a witness that specifies the date and time of the noise. 00 for a third or any later offense, plus costs on top of each fine, and every day the barking continues counts as its own separate offense rather than one ongoing violation. Because the section is codified in the animal-control chapter, disputed citations follow the general chapter procedure in Sec.
4-19, meaning most excessive-noise citations go through the city's administrative adjudication process rather than requiring a mandatory court appearance, unless a separate cruelty or dangerous-dog charge is also involved.
Violations & Fines
Fines run $25.00 for a first excessive-noise offense, $50.00 for a second, and $150.00 for a third or any subsequent offense, each with costs added on top. Because every day the noise continues is a separate offense under Sec. 4-8(d), an unresolved barking complaint can generate a new fine daily until the owner brings the animal into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is "excessive" barking measured under Waukegan's noise ordinance?
Can a neighbor file a complaint about my dog's barking themselves?
What's the fine if my dog keeps getting cited for barking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukegan
Compare Waukegan to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview
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