Noise Ordinances in North Charleston, SC

If you live in North Charleston or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. North Charleston has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Vehicle Noise

North Charleston bans unreasonably loud, excessive or unusual noise from a motor vehicle's operation on any city street under section 13-127 of the Code of Ordinances. The rule covers stereo, exhaust, engine and muffler noise generally rather than setting a decibel limit, and because it regulates vehicle use on public roads, officers enforce it through the state traffic-ticket process rather than the city's ordinance-summons system.

Key details: Governing section: § 13-127, Article V Noises. Standard: No decibel number; 'unreasonable, excessive or unusual'. Max fine: $500.00 (§ 1-10 general penalty). Max jail: 30 days per offense. Enforcement method: State traffic ticket, not ordinance summons (§ 1-16(a)).

A section 13-127 conviction is punished under the Code's general penalty, section 1-10: a fine of up to $500.00, up to thirty days in jail, or both, with each day the noise continues counted as a separate offense. Because the rule governs motor vehicles on public roads, section 1-16(a) bars using a municipal ordinance summons to enforce it, so officers cite drivers through the state traffic-ticket process adopted under section 11-1 rather than the city's own summons system.

Leaf Blower Rules

North Charleston bans gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers within 300 feet of a residence between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., naming them as an example of unreasonably loud and disturbing noise under the city's general noise ordinance. The broader ban on unreasonable noise applies citywide at any time of day, and violators face the code's general fine of up to $500 or thirty days in jail.

Key details: Distance: 300 feet from a residence. Restricted hours: 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Governing section: § 13-126(a), Article V Noises. Max fine: $500.00 (§ 1-10 general penalty). Max jail: 30 days per offense.

A first violation of section 13-126(a) is prosecuted under the Code's general penalty in section 1-10: a fine not exceeding $500.00, imprisonment not exceeding thirty days, or both, and each day the noise continues counts as a separate offense. Officers document the complaint and may issue a municipal ordinance summons rather than arrest, requiring an appearance before North Charleston Municipal Court; failing to appear as summonsed is itself a separate misdemeanor punishable by up to $200.00 or thirty days under section 1-16(d).

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

North Charleston bans music in outdoor seating and outdoor bar areas at commercial establishments after 11 p.m., on top of the amplified-sound permit and decibel limits that already apply to the business.

Key details: Outdoor music cutoff: 11:00 p.m., all outdoor areas. Applies to: outdoor seating and outdoor bar areas. On top of: permit plus daytime decibel limits. Repeat violations: license suspended 12 months.

A Code violation carries up to a $500 fine and/or 30 days' imprisonment under § 1-10; three citations within 12 months suspends the business license for a year under § 13-126(d).

Compared to other cities, North Charleston takes a harder line on amplified music & outdoor sound. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Barking Dogs

A dog or other animal that repeatedly barks, howls, or whines loud enough to disturb neighbors counts as a public nuisance animal under North Charleston's animal control code.

Key details: Definition section: Sec. 4-2(4), public nuisance animal. Enforcement section: Sec. 4-7, nuisance animals unlawful. Impoundment authority: Sec. 4-14(2), officer may seize animal. Who investigates: City animal control officer or police.

Keeping a habitually noisy dog is a nuisance violation under Sec. 4-7; animal control or police can investigate a complaint and impound the animal under Sec. 4-14(2) once it's confirmed a public nuisance.

Decibel Limits

North Charleston caps amplified sound from restaurants, bars, nightclubs, micro-breweries and event venues at 60 to 80 decibels depending on the day and hour, measured at the complaining neighbor's residential property line. Homes face a 60 dB daytime and 55 dB nighttime limit on sound amplification equipment. Three citations in twelve months suspend a business license for a year.

Key details: Commercial, Sunday to Thursday daytime: 75 dB from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Commercial, Sunday to Thursday night: 65 dB from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. next day. Commercial, Friday and Saturday: 80 dB until 9:00 p.m., then 65 dB until 2:00 a.m.. Commercial, unlisted days and times: 60 dB under paragraph (5). Residential amplified sound: 60 dB in listed daytime hours, 55 dB at any other time.

Subsection (d) attaches the business consequence. A commercial establishment that receives three or more citations for violations within a twelve-month period is deemed a business nuisance, which automatically suspends its business license and blocks renewal for twelve months after the suspension. Section 13-1 makes anyone who aids, encourages or advises another person to break the code guilty of the same offense as the principal. Section 13-126 itself prints no fine amount.

The Bottom Line

North Charleston's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming North Charleston is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on North Charleston's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.