Yakima, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Yakima, WA, 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
- Fine
- $250 civil infraction
- Duration threshold
- 15+ minutes habitual barking
- Proof required
- Verified complaint
- Defense
- Guard dog responding to intruder
Summary
Yakima bans habitual dog barking, growling, yelping, howling or whining lasting 15 minutes or more once a verified complaint substantiates it, punishing violators with a $250 civil infraction under YMC § 6.20.280.
It is unlawful for any person in control of premises to keep, harbor or maintain thereon any dog or dogs which individually or together habitually bark, growl, yelp, howl or whine so loudly and for such a duration of fifteen minutes or more substantiated by a verified complaint. Consistent but intermittent noise for the specified time period may be considered. A violation of this section is a civil infraction punishable by a two hundred fifty dollar fine.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Yakima Municipal Code § 6.20.280 makes it unlawful for anyone in control of a property to keep a dog that habitually barks, growls, yelps, howls or whines so loudly and for 15 minutes or more, once the noise is substantiated by a verified complaint; consistent but intermittent noise over that period counts too. A violation is a civil infraction carrying a $250 fine. Owners have an affirmative defense if the dog was a guard or watch dog responding to an intruder or trespasser near the premises. The city's animal control division, operating under Chapter 6.20, investigates barking complaints citywide.
Violations & Fines
Habitual barking, growling, yelping, howling or whining lasting 15+ minutes, confirmed by a verified complaint, draws a $250 civil infraction; a guard dog responding to a trespasser is an affirmative defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must a dog bark before it violates Yakima's law?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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