Charleston County, SC Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Civil penalty
- up to $1,000 per violation, per day
- Criminal penalty cap
- $500 fine and/or 30 days jail
- Required document
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
- Enforcing office
- Charleston County Public Works Director
- Appeal deadline
- 30 days to Construction Board of Adjustment
Summary
Any land-disturbing construction project in unincorporated Charleston County must control erosion and sediment under the county's Stormwater Management ordinance. The Public Works Director requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for new and redevelopment projects, and violators face a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day under Sec. 7.5-86 and 7.5-102.
(a)Uncontrolled stormwater runoff may have significant, adverse impact on the health, safety and general welfare of Charleston County and the quality of life of its citizens. The potential impacts of uncontrolled stormwater can lead to the degradation of water quality and general riverine ecosystem through excessive or illegal pollutant discharges, erosion, and flooding thereby limiting or removing its designated and potential uses. ... (5)To require the development and enforcement of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for all new and re-development projects. ... (7)To approve construction activities and to require as a condition of such approval, structural or non-structural controls, practices, devices, operating procedures, or other mechanisms to protect public and private property from flooding and erosion and attain TMDL pollutant load reductions and water quality standards. ... (a)Civil. Any person violating any provision of this article shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000.00 for each violation. Each separate day of a violation constitutes a new and separate violation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
5-74(a)). 5-74(b)-(c)). ' The Director can also require performance bonds and impose fees. 5-87, though an agricultural structure disturbing an acre or more still needs an approved application. 5-109.
Violations & Fines
Section 7.5-102 sets a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation, with every separate day of a violation counted as a new violation. A person who willfully or with wanton disregard violates the ordinance also faces criminal misdemeanor charges in magistrate's court, capped at $500 and/or 30 days in jail per citation under § 7.5-102(b), and the Public Works Director can issue a stop-work order under § 7.5-106 until fees, bonds, and penalties are paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charleston County require erosion control on construction sites?
What's the penalty for violating the stormwater/erosion ordinance?
Are farms and forestry operations exempt from the erosion ordinance?
Can I appeal a stormwater enforcement decision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston County
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