9 rules for unincorporated Horry County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Horry County, uncultivated grass and weeds over twelve inches are 'unsightly growth' and a common nuisance under the county's Junk, Debris and Common Nuisance Ordinance (Chapter 10). Owners in platted major residential subdivisions must keep lots clear or face county abatement.
Horry County Code ch. 10, art. II (Ord. No. 50-01)
Unsightly growth means any growth of grass, weeds, or herbaceous or woody plant growth, other than trees or shrubs, that is uncultivated and exceeds twelve (12) inches in length.
Horry County does not require a permit to prune most private trees, but it is unlawful to injure a Specimen Live Oak (24-inch DBH or larger). During development, preserved trees must be protected inside their dripline root-protection zone under the zoning ordinance.
Horry County Zoning Ord. App. B, art. V, § 505(D)
Preserved trees must be protected from damages during development. Protective Devices shall be installed surrounding the dripline of the preserved tree and must be kept free of construction materials, vehicles or debris.
It is unlawful in Horry County to remove a Specimen Live Oak with a trunk 24 inches DBH or greater without authorization. Removal generally needs a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and mitigation (replacement trees or a fee in lieu) applies.
Horry County Zoning Ord. App. B, art. V, § 505(B)
It is unlawful to injure, participate in, authorize, or cause the removal of any Specimen Live Oak (DBH of twenty-four (24) inches or greater). Authorization to do so shall come from: A variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Uncultivated weeds and grass exceeding twelve inches are 'unsightly growth' and a common nuisance under Horry County's Junk, Debris and Common Nuisance Ordinance (Chapter 10). The county can notice, abate, and lien the property for the cost of clearing overgrown vegetation.
Horry County Code ch. 10, art. II (Ord. No. 50-01)
Unsightly growth means any growth of grass, weeds, or herbaceous or woody plant growth, other than trees or shrubs, that is uncultivated and exceeds twelve (12) inches in length.
Horry County sets no countywide lawn-watering schedule, and South Carolina has no statewide mandatory outdoor-watering restriction. Your water utility governs. Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority serves most unincorporated areas and may request voluntary odd/even conservation during declared droughts.
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Horry County. Neither the county nor South Carolina restricts capturing rooftop rainwater in barrels or cisterns for landscape use, and the state actively promotes rain barrels for stormwater and conservation. Simple outdoor rain barrels need no county permit.
Horry County does not require homeowners to plant native or drought-tolerant species. Its landscape and tree-preservation standards apply mainly to non-residential and multifamily development. Native plantings are encouraged, and the county's Live Oak protections favor keeping mature native trees.
Horry County has no ordinance banning or specifically regulating residential artificial turf; it is treated as a landscaping surface. Installation is generally allowed on private lots. Stormwater and drainage rules, city codes, and HOA covenants may still control how and where turf is placed.
Horry County allows backyard composting and offers residents subsidized compost bins and rain barrels through the Solid Waste Authority. A home compost pile must not become a nuisance under Chapter 10, meaning no odors, vermin, or unsightly debris that would draw enforcement.
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