Charleston requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when in public areas. Off-leash dogs are prohibited except in designated dog parks.
Under Charleston's animal control ordinances, all dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Dogs must be under the control of a responsible person at all times. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks such as James Island County Park dog park and Hampton Park. Owners must clean up after their dogs in all public areas. Aggressive dogs may be required to wear a muzzle in public.
Off-leash violations result in fines. Owners of dogs that bite or injure others face enhanced penalties and potential dangerous dog designation.
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not regulate residential lawn ornaments such as statues, garden gnomes, flamingos, religious displays, or holiday figures on private property...
Charleston, SC
Charleston's sign provisions in the Zoning Ordinance (Title 54) prohibit commercial inflatable advertising devices, balloons, and similar wind-driven attenti...
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not impose general municipal time limits on residential holiday lights, and the Zoning Ordinance sign provisions exempt non-commercial reside...
Charleston, SC
Outdoor kitchens with permanent gas lines, water/sewer connections, electrical wiring, or roofed structures require permits in Charleston. A covered or walle...
Charleston, SC
Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits thei...
Charleston, SC
Charleston follows the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Charleston County.
See how other cities in Charleston County handle dog leash laws.
See how Charleston's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.