Town of Waynesville

Noise Ordinance: Barking Dogs

Section 97A-4. Noises Prohibited, nuisances

(a) General prohibitions. It shall be unlawful to crate, cause, or allow the  continuance of any unreasonably loud, disturbing, unusual, frightening or unnecessary noise, particularly during nighttime, which interferes seriously with the neighboring residents “reasonable use of their properties.” Such noise may include but is not limited to:

(b) Specific prohibitions. The following acts are prohibited and shall be considered nuisance acts:

(7) Dogs and other animals. The possession of a dog or other animal that barks or makes disturbing noises continuously or intermittently for more than ten (10) minutes after being notified by law enforcement personnel or citizen complaint.

Section 97A-7 Violations

(a) Any person who violates any portion of this article shall receive an oral warning to cease or abate the noise immediately, or within a reasonable time period. During nighttime, or if a second violation occurs within sixty (60) days, an oral warning to cease or abate need not be issued prior to issuing a citation for violation of any portion of this article.

(b) If the oral warning to cease or abate the noise is not complied with, the person or persons responsible for the violation may be charged with a violation of this article adn subject to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, pursuant to Section 1.8

Procedures for Complaints

1. Make sure that the complaint falls within the guidelines of city ordinance.
2. Contact the police department to lodge the complaint. Fill out and print (or submit online) a Citizen’s Complaint/Concern Form.
3. Insure that the officer contacted the dog owner and logged the owner information with the police department as well as a physical description of the dog in question (color, breed, male or female, etc.)
4. If barking continues, insure that guidelines are met again and verify either by recording the barking on a recording device or witnesses.