Noise Ordinances in Rock Hill, SC (2026)
8 verified noise ordinances for Rock Hill, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Rock Hill Code Chapter 20, Article V, Division 2 governs noise. Section 20-161 prohibits any unreasonably loud, disturbing noise that disturbs comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety. Section 20-162(18) sets a 60 dB(A) lot-line cap in residentially zoned areas or within 300 feet of a residence.
Rock Hill Noise Ordinance and Quiet Hours Rule
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Section 20-162(3) prohibits piledrivers, steam shovels, pneumatic hammers, derricks, and hoists between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on residential blocks without council permission. Section 20-162(18)(e) exempts construction conducted 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. that does not exceed 75 dB(A) at the nearest residential property.
Rock Hill Construction Noise and Building Operation Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Section 20-162(1) declares the keeping of any animal which by causing frequent or long-continued noise disturbs the comfort or repose of persons in the vicinity to be a loud, disturbing noise in violation of §20-161. Chapter 20 cross-references the city's barking or howling dogs section in Chapter 6.
Rock Hill Barking Dog and Animal Noise Rule
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Rock Hill does not ban gas leaf blowers. Section 20-162(18)(g) exempts lawn and garden tools, lawnmowers, and similar mechanically powered devices used between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. from the 60 dB(A) residential cap if they stay under 85 dB(A) at the nearest residence and are used for property upkeep.
Rock Hill Leaf Blower and Lawn Equipment Rules
Few RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Section 20-162(13) makes it prima facie evidence of a violation if a radio, instrument, phonograph, or sound-reproducing device is plainly audible 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle. Section 20-162(12) bars sound-amplifying devices that unreasonably disturb the vicinity or become a public nuisance.
Rock Hill Amplified Music and Sound Devices
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Section 20-162(18)(f) expressly exempts aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport from the city's 60 dB(A) residential cap. Federal law under 49 USC §40103 preempts local aircraft-noise regulation. Rock Hill/York County Airport (KUZA) operates under FAA rules.
Rock Hill Aircraft Noise Rule and FAA Preemption
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Section 20-162(18) caps noise at 60 dB(A) at the lot line in residentially zoned areas or within 300 feet of a residentially occupied structure in any zone. Section 20-162(2) targets blowers, power fans, and internal combustion engines that lack adequate mufflers. HVAC unit noise is expressly carved out under §20-162(18)(i).
Rock Hill Industrial and Commercial Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsVehicle Noise
Section 20-162(6) bars exhaust discharge except through a muffler that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises. Section 20-162(17) prohibits racing a vehicle engine while parked. Section 20-162(4) reaches vehicles out of repair. SC Code §56-5-5010 requires a working muffler statewide.
Rock Hill Vehicle Noise, Mufflers, and Engine Racing
Some RestrictionsLooking for York County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rock Hill city rules.
Noise Ordinances in York County →