Yakima, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Yakima's barking-dog standard is one of the more concrete in Washington. YMC 6.20.280 (Animal Control, adopted as part of a comprehensive Chapter 6.20 update by the Yakima City Council in spring 2023) establishes a 15-minute audible-from-neighbors threshold: owners of any dog or dogs which bark, growl, yelp, howl or whine loud enough to be heard by neighbors for 15 minutes or more may receive an infraction punishable by a $250 fine. The 2023 update increased the threshold (from a shorter standard) and added documentation requirements - declarations of probable cause must be completed by two separate households, or a recording of the behavior for the specified period of time must be submitted with the report before any charges can be filed in court. YMC 6.20.280 codifies an affirmative defense: it is an affirmative defense that the howling, yelping, barking or other noise complained of was by a guard dog or watch dog which was responding to intruders, trespassers or other persons entering onto or near the premises of the dog owner. In parallel, YMC Chapter 6.04 public disturbance noise covers animal noise generally - the YMC 6.04 enumeration of public disturbance noise is non-exclusive and an officer may cite under either authority. Yakima Police Department Animal Control Officers (Community Service Officers) field the calls and issue the YMC 6.20.280 infraction; sheltering and adoption are handled by the Yakima Humane Society under contract with the City. Yakima County operates a separate animal-control framework outside city limits. The 2023 ordinance update also strengthened the dangerous-dog definition, restructured dog license fees, reduced poultry-at-large to an infraction, and added a 'human responsibility for cats' section. Report active barking complaints to SunComm at 509-575-6200 for dispatch; for repeat / pattern issues call Yakima Animal Control at 509-575-6148.