Public Conduct in Charleston, SC (2026)
5 verified public conduct rules for Charleston, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Aggressive Panhandling
Charleston Chapter 28 prohibits aggressive panhandling, including soliciting near ATMs, restaurants, and bus stops, while protecting passive solicitation as constitutionally protected speech.
Aggressive Panhandling Restrictions
Some RestrictionsPublic Urination
Charleston Chapter 28 prohibits public urination and defecation on streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, and private property without consent, treating violations as misdemeanors enforced by Charleston Police.
Public Urination Prohibited
Some RestrictionsSkateboarding Rules
Charleston Chapter 41 prohibits skateboarding on King Street, Market Street, the historic district sidewalks, and Waterfront Park, directing riders to designated skate parks.
Skateboard Restrictions Downtown
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking Restrictions
Charleston bans smoking in city parks, playgrounds, beaches, public buildings, and within 25 feet of building entrances under Chapter 30 and the Charleston Clean Indoor Air ordinance.
Smoke-Free Parks and Public Spaces
Some RestrictionsPublic Alcohol Use
Charleston prohibits open containers of alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and beaches under Chapter 3, with limited exceptions for permitted special events like Spoleto Festival venues.
Open Container Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Charleston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.
Public Conduct in Charleston County →