Wilmington, NC Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Sec. ' The text reaches keeping any animal or bird which frequently or for long periods of time makes noises that would tend to disturb or annoy a reasonable person of normal sensitivity in the vicinity, a standard that covers a dog that barks for extended stretches, a rooster crowing repeatedly, or caged birds left to screech through the day. Because it sits alongside the other Sec. 6-30 prohibitions, a violation carries the same misdemeanor classification under subsection (i). Enforcement follows the article's general rules in Sec.

6-32 and 6-35: a sound level meter is not required to prove the violation. An officer responding to a complaint can issue a civil citation or pursue other penalties if a 'noise disturbance,' defined in Sec. 6-29 as sound that would annoy a reasonable person of normal sensitivity, is found to exist, relying on witness statements, audio or video evidence, and factors like the noise's duration, timing, and proximity to sleeping areas. Sec. 6-36 makes the responsible person, meaning the owner, tenant, or occupant of the premises where the animal is kept, liable, and absentee landlords become responsible for third and later violations after written notice of earlier ones. A person cited can appeal a civil penalty in writing to the chief of police within ten calendar days under Sec. 6-37.