Noise Ordinances in Simpsonville, SC (2026)
8 verified noise ordinances for Simpsonville, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Simpsonville's noise code sets nighttime as 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (11:00 p.m. EDT), when noise limits tighten and interior amplified-sound limits drop to 55 dB(A). Any noise substantially interfering with a neighbor's comfort is an unlawful nuisance day or night.
Simpsonville Nighttime Quiet Hours (10 p.m.–7 a.m.)
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code § 18-81
Night and nighttime means the period between the hours of 10:00 p.m. (11:00 p.m. EDT) one calendar day and 7:00 a.m. the following calendar day. Day and daytime means the period between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (11:00 p.m. EDT) of the same calendar day.
Construction Hours
Construction machinery, heavy equipment and power tools are exempt from Simpsonville's noise rules when operated during daytime hours (7 a.m.–10 p.m.). Operating them at night is prohibited unless the city administrator issues a special permit under Sec. 18-87.
Construction Noise Allowed by Day, Permit Needed at Night
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code § 18-84(a)(8)
When operated at night, construction machinery, heavy duty equipment used in street repair and maintenance and domestic and commercial power tools, unless a permit is obtained. (b) Continuous or repeated noises. Regardless of the level of sound, the following shall be deemed a nuisance and shall be prohibited under section 18-82 : (1) To keep any animal, including a bird, causing a frequent...
Barking Dogs
Simpsonville Sec. 18-84(b)(1) makes it a nuisance to keep any animal, including a bird, that causes frequent or long-continued noise such as barking, howling or screeching that disturbs a neighbor of ordinary sensibilities. No decibel level is needed to prove the violation.
Barking Dogs Are a Prohibited Noise Nuisance
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code § 18-84(b)(1)
To keep any animal, including a bird, causing a frequent or long continued noise, such as barking, howling or screeching, disturbing the comfort and repose of any person of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity. (2) To install or operate a burglar alarm system which uses an audible warning or bell without a functioning device that will shut off the warning or bell within 20 minutes...
Leaf Blower Rules
Simpsonville has no leaf-blower-specific ban, but blowers fall under 'domestic yard equipment' and power tools. These are exempt by day (7 a.m.–10 p.m.); at night the Sec. 18-90 chart requires a permit, so nighttime blowing is effectively prohibited.
Leaf Blowers and Yard Equipment: Daytime Only
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code § 18-90(d)
Construction machinery, sanitation or solid waste pickup, lawn mowers, domestic yard equipment and power tools — Day outside 80 [City at Large] / 85 [CBD]; Night outside * [* Permit required].
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Simpsonville's noise code names loudspeakers, amplifiers, stereos and 'other devices which enhance or influence the level of sound' as nuisance-capable. The Sec. 18-90 chart caps radios and amplified sound at 70 dB(A) outside by day and 65 dB(A) outside at night citywide.
Amplified Sound Capped at 55–70 dB(A)
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code § 18-84(a)(3)
Loudspeakers, amplifiers or other devices which enhance or influence the level of sound in any way. (4) Mechanical devices operating by compressed air, such as pneumatic drills and jackhammers. (5) Horns sirens and signal devices using loud, brash or harassing noises, whether on vehicles or otherwise. (6) Motor vehicle exhausts without mufflers or with inefficient or ineffective mufflers....
Aircraft Noise
Simpsonville's noise code expressly exempts 'aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport,' provided applicable federal regulations are met. Aircraft noise is governed by the FAA, not city ordinance, so the city sets no local aircraft-noise limit.
Aircraft Noise Is Exempt (Federal Preemption)
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code § 18-85(5)
The sound produced by the following, provided there is compliance with any federal regulations applicable to the noise: (i) Aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport; (ii) Railroad equipment in operation on railroad rights-of-way.
Decibel Limits
Simpsonville sets prima facie decibel guidelines in Sec. 18-90. For radios and amplified sound citywide: 70 dB(A) day outside, 65 night outside. Yard/construction equipment: 80 dB(A) day outside. Levels are A-weighted; exceeding them establishes a rebuttable violation.
Simpsonville's dB(A) Noise Limit Chart
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code § 18-90(d)
Radios, musical instruments, amplified sounds, stereos and like devices — Day inside 60/65; Day outside 70/60; Night inside 55/60; Night outside 65/75 (City at Large / Central Business District), measured in decibels A-weighted, dB(A).
Vehicle Noise
Simpsonville names 'motor vehicle exhausts without mufflers or with inefficient or ineffective mufflers' and loud horns, sirens or signal devices as nuisance noises. Lawfully operating vehicles on public streets are otherwise exempt, deferring to state motor-vehicle law.
Loud Exhausts and Vehicle Horns Prohibited
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code § 18-84(a)(6)
Motor vehicle exhausts without mufflers or with inefficient or ineffective mufflers. (7) The human voice when used to yell, shout, scream or the like. (8) When operated at night, construction machinery, heavy duty equipment used in street repair and maintenance and domestic and commercial power tools, unless a permit is obtained. (b) Continuous or repeated noises. Regardless of the level ...
Looking for Greenville County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Simpsonville city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Greenville County →