Whether you can keep chickens or livestock depends on your zoning district under the Charleston County Zoning & Land Development Regulations (ZLDR). Agricultural and rural districts (AGR and sea-island rural) allow farm animals; suburban residential districts generally do not.
Charleston County directly zones unincorporated land under the ZLDR, administered by the Zoning & Planning Department. Agricultural Residential (AGR) and rural/agricultural districts permit chickens, poultry, and livestock as of-right, often with no numeric flock cap for personal use, subject to nuisance and health rules. Denser residential districts restrict or prohibit farm animals. Because rules turn entirely on your parcel's zoning classification, the county sets no single countywide number; confirm your district with the Zoning & Planning Department before adding animals. Sea-island and rural Lowcountry parcels are typically the most permissive.
Keeping livestock in a district that prohibits it is a zoning violation enforced by Charleston County Code Enforcement; abatement notices and daily penalties can apply until the use is removed.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. SC Code §16-17-530 applies.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston addresses barking dogs under its animal control ordinances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a nuisance. North Charles...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston permits construction during standard daytime hours. Construction activity is generally allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 6 P...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates noise under Chapter 15, Article II of the City Code. Excessive noise that disturbs the peace is prohibited, with stricter enforcem...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates on-street parking through posted signs and general ordinances. Vehicles may not be parked for more than 72 hours in the same locat...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston requires driveways to meet certain standards. Parking is only allowed on paved or approved surfaces, and vehicles may not block sidewalks or...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Charleston County.
See how North Charleston's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.