Animal Ordinances in Charleston, SC (2026)
11 verified animal ordinances for Charleston, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Charleston Code Chapter 5 permits limited backyard hens on residentially zoned lots, but roosters, swine, and most livestock are prohibited inside city limits because of nuisance, noise, and sanitation concerns.
Backyard Chickens and Livestock in Charleston
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
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.
Charleston Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Charleston does not have breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned. However, dogs classified as dangerous based on behavior face additional restrictions regardless of breed.
Charleston Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Charleston allows beekeeping in residential areas with certain conditions. Hives must be set back from property lines and have a water source. The SC Department of Agriculture registers beekeepers.
Charleston Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Charleston restricts exotic animal ownership. Wild and dangerous animals are prohibited as pets. South Carolina state law requires permits for certain exotic species.
Charleston Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Feeding alligators, deer, raccoons, and feral cats on Charleston public property and parks is restricted, since human-fed wildlife becomes aggressive and creates serious public-safety hazards in the Lowcountry.
Feeding Wildlife in Charleston
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Charleston limits the number of dogs and cats kept at a single residence under Chapter 5 to prevent hoarding, sanitation problems, and barking nuisance complaints in the city's dense historic neighborhoods.
Number of Dogs and Cats per Household
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Animals adopted through Charleston Animal Society and impounded by the city must be spayed or neutered before release, supporting Charleston's no-kill goal and reducing strays in the tri-county area.
Spay/Neuter Requirements for Adopted Pets
Some RestrictionsMicrochipping
Charleston encourages but does not require microchipping for owned pets; chips are mandatory for animals adopted from Charleston Animal Society and aid recovery of strays impounded under Chapter 5.
Microchipping Pets in Charleston
Few RestrictionsCoyote Management
Coyotes are established in the Charleston tri-county area; the city advises hazing and removing food attractants rather than shooting, while South Carolina DNR sets statewide trapping and hunting rules.
Coyote Sightings and Management
Few RestrictionsBird Protection
Federal law protects migratory birds nesting in Charleston's marshes and rookery islands, and city tree-protection rules under Chapter 54 add penalties for disturbing active nests during breeding season.
Migratory Birds and Charleston Rookeries
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Charleston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Charleston County →