In unincorporated Charleston County it is unlawful to let any animal run at large on streets, highways, or property other than the owner's. Off your own land a dog must be leashed and physically controlled by its owner or keeper.
The County's Livability/animal code bars owners from permitting animals to run at large anywhere in the county except the owner's own property. "Restraint" means the animal is confined to the owner's premises by fence, chain, or other appropriate measure, or is accompanied by its owner and physically controlled by a leash. A dog off its home property without a leash is "at large" and subject to impoundment by Charleston Animal Society officers, who contract animal control for the county. Municipalities (Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, the beach towns) have their own leash laws inside city limits.
Running at large is a misdemeanor; the animal may be impounded and the owner charged reclaim, boarding, and vaccination fees. State law fines dog-at-large violations $50 first offense, up to $100 each subsequent.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Charleston County, SC
Backyard composting is allowed in Charleston County, and the county runs a large composting facility processing nearly all landfill yard waste. Yard debris m...
Charleston County, SC
Charleston County has no ordinance specifically banning or requiring artificial turf on residential lots. Synthetic lawns are generally allowed, but must not...
Charleston County, SC
Charleston County does not require or ban native-plant landscaping on single-family lots. Its ZLDR landscaping and buffer standards for larger developments f...
Charleston County, SC
Yes. Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in South Carolina, including Charleston County, for non-potable outdoor use. There is no county rule agains...
Charleston County, SC
Charleston County does not impose a mandatory countywide lawn-watering schedule. Your water utility (usually Charleston Water System) sets service terms, and...
Charleston County, SC
Charleston County's Livability code declares weeds and rank vegetation a public nuisance on developed unincorporated lots. Owners must not let property becom...
See how Charleston County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.