Noise from Specific Sources in York County, SC (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in York County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Unincorporated York County exempts ordinary HVAC unit sound from its residential noise-decibel cap, so a working air conditioner or heat pump condenser is not, by itself, a code violation. The exemption sits inside § 56.016(B)(18), the section that otherwise limits noise in residential areas to 60 decibels at the property line.
York County HVAC Equipment Noise Rules
Few RestrictionsYork County, S.C. Code § 56.016(B)(18)(i)
In any residentially zoned area or within 300 feet of any residentially occupied structure in any zone, the noise resulting from any activity, whether open or enclosed, shall not exceed 60 decibels at any point on or beyond the lot line. The following shall be exceptions to this division (B)(18): ... (i) Sound which was generated by an HVAC unit;
Generator Noise
Unincorporated York County requires generators and other internal combustion engines, blowers, or power fans to run with a functioning muffler under its noise ordinance. An unmuffled generator whose exhaust noise disturbs neighbors is a specific, named violation of the county's public nuisance chapter, separate from the broader ban on unreasonably loud sound.
York County Generator Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsYork County, S.C. Code § 56.016(B)(2)
(2) Blowers or engines. The operation of any noise-creating blower or power fan or any internal combustion engine, the operation of which causes noise due to the explosion of operating gases or fluids, unless the noise from such blower or fan is muffled and such engine is equipped with a muffler device sufficient to deaden such noise.
Delivery Truck Noise
Unincorporated York County bans loud or excessive noise from loading and unloading delivery vehicles, including opening and breaking down boxes, crates, and containers, under its public nuisance ordinance. The rule catches trucks that bang, drop, or crush freight near homes, especially during early morning or late evening runs, and applies alongside the county's broader ban on any noise that disturbs residents' peace and comfort.
York County Delivery Truck Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsYork County, S.C. Code § 56.016(B)(9)
(9) Loading and unloading; opening boxes, crates, etc. The creation of loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading of any vehicle or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers.
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Unincorporated York County makes it a noise violation to play a radio, stereo, or other sound device loud enough to be 'plainly audible' 50 feet from the vehicle or building where it sits. That 50-foot rule, aimed squarely at thumping car and house stereos, counts as automatic proof of a violation under the county's public nuisance chapter.
York County Loud Bass & Stereo Rules
Some RestrictionsYork County, S.C. Code § 56.016(B)(13)
(13) Radios, phonographs, etc. The using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for ...
Noise from Specific Sources by City in York County
1 cities in York County have their own noise from specific sources rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All York County ordinances
See every category we cover for York County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
York County Ordinance Hub →