Fire Regulations in Charleston County, SC (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Charleston County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Recreational backyard fires and fires for cooking food are exempt from SC's open-burning ban. Regulation 61-62.2 Section I.B allows 'open burning in connection with the preparation of food for immediate consumption,' and Section I.C covers recreational fires.
Backyard Fires and Cookouts, Charleston County SC
Some RestrictionsSC Reg. 61-62.2, Section I.B
Open burning in connection with the preparation of food for immediate consumption.
Fireworks
South Carolina lets any property owner, lessee, or condo association in Charleston County ban fireworks discharge on their own land by filing a Discharge of Fireworks Prohibited Agreement with local law enforcement and posting two signs. Knowingly setting off fireworks inside a posted zone is a misdemeanor, fined up to $100 for a first offense and up to $200 for repeat offenses, plus up to 30 days in jail.
Fireworks Prohibited Zones in Charleston County SC
Some RestrictionsS.C. Code § 23-35-175
(B) It is unlawful to knowingly and wilfully discharge fireworks from, in, or into a Fireworks Prohibited Zone. A person who knowingly and wilfully discharges fireworks from, in, or into a Fireworks Prohibited Zone is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished: (1) for a first offense by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than thirty day...
Brush Clearance
There is no statewide defensible-space mandate, but if you burn cleared brush you must follow SC Regulation 61-62.2. Land-clearing burns in non-residential areas must sit at least 1,000 feet from roads and other properties and follow strict timing and material limits.
Brush Clearing and Land-Clearing Burns, Charleston County SC
Some RestrictionsSC Reg. 61-62.2, Section I.E.1
The location of the burning must be a sufficient distance but not less than 1000 feet, from public roadways and all residential, commercial, and industrial sites not a part of the contiguous property on which the burning is conducted.
Outdoor Burning
Open burning is prohibited statewide under SC Regulation 61-62.2, except that residents may burn leaves, tree branches, or yard trimmings that originate on and are burned on their own home's premises. You must notify the SC Forestry Commission first in unincorporated areas.
Outdoor Burning Rules, Charleston County SC
Some RestrictionsSC Reg. 61-62.2, Section I.A
Open burning of leaves, tree branches or yard trimmings originating on the premises of private residences and burned on those premises.
Smoke Detectors
Every dwelling unit in unincorporated Charleston County must have an approved, listed smoke detector installed per the manufacturer's instructions and tested to UL 217. Sec. 4-28, § 113.5.1.7 requires the detector to sound an audible alarm when activated, and enforcement runs through the same unsafe-dwelling framework covering other habitability standards.
Smoke Detector Requirement, Charleston County SC
Some RestrictionsCharleston County Code § 4-28, § 113.5.1.7
113.5.1.7 Smoke Detector and/or Carbon Monoxide Systems: Every dwelling unit shall be provided with an approved listed detector, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and listing. When activated, the detector shall provide an audible alarm. The detector shall be tested in accordance with and meet the requirements of UL 217, single and Multiple Station Smoke Detectors.
Fire Regulations by City in Charleston County
2 cities in Charleston County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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