Animal Ordinances in North Charleston, SC (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for North Charleston, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Keeping any live hog or swine anywhere within North Charleston is banned outright and automatically treated as a public nuisance under the city's animal ordinance.
North Charleston Hog and Swine Ban
Heavy RestrictionsNorth Charleston Code of Ordinances § 4-8
It shall be unlawful and shall be deemed a public nuisance for any person to keep any live hog or swine within the city.
Dog Leash Laws
Dogs in North Charleston must be on a leash or chain, or at heel and muzzled, whenever they're on a street, sidewalk, park, or private property without the owner's consent.
North Charleston Dog Leash Law
Some RestrictionsNorth Charleston Code of Ordinances § 4-5(a)-(b)
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to fail to keep such animal under restraint or to permit such animal to run at large upon the streets and public ways of the city. Any dog, while on a street, sidewalk, public way or in any park, public square, or other public space, or upon any private property without the consent of the owner, shall be secured by a leash or chain of sufficient ...
Breed Restrictions
North Charleston does not impose breed-specific bans. However, all dogs must be properly licensed, vaccinated, and under owner control. Dangerous dog designations are based on individual behavior.
North Charleston Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsS.C. Code Section 47-3-710
SECTION 47-3-710. Definitions. (A) As used in this article "dangerous animal" means an animal of the canine or feline family: (1) which the owner knows or reasonably should know has a propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked, cause injury, or otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals; (2) which: (a) makes an unprovoked attack that causes bodily injury to...
Pet Limits
North Charleston zoning caps a residential pen, shelter, or structure kept for dogs or other small domestic animals at three animals: the threshold for the 'domestic animal shelter' accessory-use classification.
North Charleston Home Animal Shelter Limit
Some RestrictionsNorth Charleston Code of Ordinances, Appendix A (Zoning Regulations) § 3-2 (Definitions — 'Animal shelter, domestic')
Animal shelter, domestic. A pen, shelter, or structure where no more than three dogs or small domestic animals, not to include horses, cows, goats, swine, including pot bellied pigs, sheep, ponies, grazing animals and fowl of any kind, are boarded or kept. Assisted-living facility. A facility which offers room and board and which provides a degree of personal care and supportive services. ...
Looking for Charleston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement North Charleston city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Charleston County →