Noise Ordinances in Georgetown County, SC (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Georgetown County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Georgetown County's noise ordinance treats a radio, stereo or musical device audible from 50 feet away as prima facie evidence of a violation under Code § 13.8-2(c)(2). The same nighttime window also covers yelling, shouting and singing on public streets under (c)(4), enforced by the sheriff's office.
Georgetown County Quiet Hours Ordinance
Some RestrictionsGeorgetown County Code § 13.8-2(c)(2), (c)(4)
(2)Radios, phonographs, etc. The using, operation or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of persons who are not voluntary listeners thereto. The operation of such set, instrument, machine or device between th...
Construction Hours
In unincorporated Georgetown County, building erection, excavation, demolition, alteration or repair outside 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. is excessive noise under Code § 13.8-2(c)(6). An emergency permit from the director of code enforcement, good for up to three days and renewable, is the only way around the window; violators face a $250 to $500 fine or 30 days in jail.
Georgetown County Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsGeorgetown County Code § 13.8-2(c)(6)
(6)Construction, repair or demolition of buildings. The erection (including excavation), demolition, alteration or repair of any building other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public health and safety, and then only with a permit from the director of code enforcement, which permit may be granted for a period not to exceed ...
Barking Dogs
In unincorporated Georgetown County, a dog or bird that howls, barks or squawks with frequent or continued duration across a property line violates the county's noise ordinance. Sheriff's deputies enforce Code § 13.8-2(c)(10), and violators face a misdemeanor fine of $250 to $500 or up to 30 days in jail, with each incident charged separately.
Georgetown County Barking Dog Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsGeorgetown County Code § 13.8-2(c)(10)
(10)Animals and birds. Possessing or harboring any animal or bird which frequently or for continued duration howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds which create noise disturbance across a real property boundary or within noise sensitive zones. This provision shall not apply to public zoos. ... (h)Enforcement. County sheriff's deputies shall enforce the provisions of this section.(i...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Loudspeakers and sound amplifiers used to broadcast music for commercial advertising on public streets are banned outright in unincorporated Georgetown County. For amplified outside music generally, the county publishes voluntary decibel guidelines and enforces a broader nuisance-noise standard carrying fines from $250 to $500 under Sheriff's Office enforcement.
Amplified Music Noise Rules in Georgetown County
Some RestrictionsGeorgetown County Code § 13.8-2
Sec. 13.8-2. - Noise control. ... (c)Certain noises prohibited. ... (3)Loud speakers, amplifiers for advertising. The using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker, sound amplifier or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound which is broadcast upon the public streets for the purpose of ...
Decibel Limits
Georgetown County's noise ordinance publishes decibel guidelines in Appendix A to Code § 13.8-2 rather than setting a strict legal maximum: 60 dB by day and 50 dB at night for residential uses, 70 dB by day and 65 dB at night for commercial, industrial, public or agricultural uses. The section says the numbers are a caution, not an enforcement standard.
Georgetown County Noise Decibel Guidelines
Light RestrictionsGeorgetown County Code § 13.8-2(e), Appendix A
(e)Maximum noise levels. For the benefit of those who desire to use amplified outside music as a part of business, or for personal use, decibel (dB) level guidelines are presented in Appendix A to this Code section. These levels are not required or intended for law enforcement, but are intended as a guide and as a caution. If these levels are used as an upper limit by those amplifying music it ...
Vehicle Noise
Georgetown County's noise ordinance bars unnecessary horn use and excessive engine or exhaust noise on any street or public place in the unincorporated county. Code § 13.8-2(c)(1) targets horns and signaling devices, while (c)(5) requires a muffler or equivalent device on any engine or motor vehicle exhaust, with sheriff's deputies enforcing both.
Georgetown County Vehicle Noise Ordinance
Some RestrictionsGeorgetown County Code § 13.8-2(c)(1), (c)(5)
(1)Horns, signaling devices, etc. The sounding of any horn or signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle on any street or public place within the unincorporated areas of the county, except as a danger warning; the creation by any means of any such signaling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; and the sounding of any such device for an unnecessary and unreasonabl...
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