What Simpsonville Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

Simpsonville, South Carolina may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 100 tracked ordinances across 18 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Simpsonville's noise code sets nighttime as 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Also covered: Vehicle Noise (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate), Construction Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Simpsonville for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Taxes & Fees: STR owners owe local, county, and state taxes, including accommodations taxes. South Carolina imposes a 7% state accommodations tax on transient rentals (SC Code 12-36-920).

Also covered: Permit Requirements (moderate), Registration Rules (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Simpsonville for details.

Fire Regulations

Fire Pit Rules: South Carolina's open-burning regulation exempts recreational fires, so a backyard fire pit or chiminea is generally allowed. State law requires clean-wood fuel for warmth fires and never burning household trash, and city fire officials can order any fire extinguished if it becomes a hazard or nuisance..

Also covered: Fireworks (moderate), Outdoor Burning (moderate), Brush Clearance (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Simpsonville for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Freestanding fences and walls may be up to seven feet high in the side and rear yard setback areas. In the front yard setback, fences must be ornamental (picket or wrought iron) and may not exceed four feet above grade..

Also covered: Permit Requirements (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate), Retaining Walls (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Simpsonville for details.

Outdoor Cooking

BBQ & Propane Rules: In single-family homes you may use a charcoal or propane grill freely. But under the adopted International Fire Code, charcoal and open-flame grills cannot be used on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments and multi-family buildings, except small LP-gas grills under limited conditions..

Also covered: Smoker Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Simpsonville for details.

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: You may not stop, stand, or park on a Simpsonville street in a way that obstructs the traveled roadway, and within an alley you must leave at least ten feet of clear width. Illegal parking carries a $20 fine unless otherwise set..

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Overnight Parking (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Simpsonville for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Structure Height Limits: Most residential districts cap building height at 35 feet, while the R-Hi High Density district allows up to 40 feet. Spires, steeples, chimneys, flagpoles, and similar non-occupied appurtenances are generally exempt from the limit..

Also covered: Lot Coverage Limits (moderate), Setback Rules (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Simpsonville for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Simpsonville requires all dogs to be leashed and under control whenever off the owner's private property. Leashes may not exceed 12 feet.

Also covered: Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Animal Hoarding (moderate), Beekeeping (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Simpsonville for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: A Tree Removal Permit from the Planning Director is required to remove any tree 12 inches or more in diameter at breast height, regardless of health. Protected trees removed during development must be replaced, and Class II trees (24 inches+) replace at two-to-one..

Landscaping Rules

Grass Height Limits: Weeds or vegetation on private or public property that exceeds 12 inches in height are a declared public-health nuisance in Simpsonville, except healthy trees and shrubs and plants grown in a tended, cultivated garden or plot. A separate weed-removal rule uses an 18-inch threshold..

Also covered: Weed Ordinances (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Simpsonville for details.

Property Maintenance

Garage Sale Rules: Yard and garage sales in Simpsonville are limited residential-accessory activities regulated through the city's Zoning Ordinance and Code of Ordinances. Sales run for a few days, and signs must not be placed in the public right-of-way..

Also covered: Property Blight (moderate), Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Simpsonville for details.

Sign Regulations

Political Signs: Political yard signs are allowed on private property. Under the Zoning Ordinance, a political sign may not exceed six square feet or three feet in height, must sit at least 12 inches from the curb or road edge, cannot go on City property or right-of-way, may go up no more.

Also covered: Garage Sale Signs (moderate). See the full sign regulations guide for Simpsonville for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Simpsonville's Zoning Ordinance requires all non-portable pools deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a fence, wall, or combination not less than four feet high, with self-latching gates that stay locked when the pool is not in use..

Also covered: Pool Permits (moderate), Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Simpsonville for details.

Home Business

Home Occupation Permits: Simpsonville requires a City business license before operating a home occupation. Existing home occupations may continue only while the annual license is renewed; if it lapses or is revoked, the business must re-qualify under the current zoning standards..

Also covered: Signage Rules (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Cottage Food Operations (moderate). See the full home business guide for Simpsonville for details.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Simpsonville has no ordinance setting general park closing hours for all users; posted park hours are set administratively. The city does have a codified curfew (Code Sec.

Trash & Recycling

Pickup Rules & Schedules: Simpsonville Public Works collects household trash and yard waste Monday through Friday on a 5-day route schedule for residents and the core business district. Curbside single-stream recycling was discontinued in 2021..

Also covered: Recycling Requirements (moderate), Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Simpsonville for details.

Accessory Structures

Shed Rules: On single-family residential lots, an accessory structure such as a shed must meet a 5-foot accessory-structure setback from side and rear property lines and cannot sit closer to the street than the front wall of the home. A zoning permit is waived for single-family accessory structures, but a building permit.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate), Carport Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Simpsonville for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Simpsonville's Zoning Ordinance includes dark-sky-style lighting standards (Section 4.8) intended to minimize light pollution and sky glow. Fixtures must be shielded or recessed, lights over 100 watts must be full cut-off, and color temperature may not exceed 3000K.

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Simpsonville for details.

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Simpsonville, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Simpsonville's city hall or code enforcement office.