West Palm Beach, FL Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

West Palm Beach folds barking dogs into its general noise disturbance ordinance rather than a separate animal control chapter. Section 34-36(b)(1) singles out the owning, harboring, possessing or keeping of any dog, animal or bird which causes frequent, habitual or long continued noise which is plainly audible inside of a receiving property across a property line or in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants as one of the acts the city treats as an unreasonably loud, excessive, unnecessary or unusual noise.

Because barking falls under the broader disturbance test in § 34-36(a), a noise control officer weighs the same factors used for any complaint: how loud and disruptive the barking is, what time of day it occurs, how long it lasts, whether it is plainly audible at 25 feet from the source, and how many prior complaints or warnings the owner has received. There is no fixed minutes-per-hour threshold in the ordinance; a single sustained episode or a pattern of frequent, habitual barking both qualify. A cry for emergency assistance, including any animal or bird giving a sound of danger or warning under particular circumstances reasonably requiring the need for warning, is exempt under § 34-43(1).

On a first complaint within a six-month period, § 34-44 requires a noise control officer to give the owner a written warning and 15 minutes to quiet the animal before a formal notice of violation issues. 00 for a third or later offense, and the property owner or anyone in lawful possession of the premises is jointly and severally liable even if not home when the barking occurs.