Charleston County, SC Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Defensible-space law
- None county-wide
- Land-clearing setback
- 1,000 ft from roads/property
- Construction-waste setback
- 500 ft from occupied structures
- Burn window
- 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Ozone-season ban
- April 1 - October 30 (construction waste)
Summary
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.
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.
Full Breakdown
Charleston County sets no wildfire defensible-space clearance requirement like fire-prone Western states, but disposing of cleared vegetation by fire is governed by SC Reg 61-62.2. Section I.E exempts land-clearing/right-of-way burns in areas 'other than predominantly residential' only if the burn is at least 1,000 feet from roadways and off-site residential, commercial, and industrial sites; material was generated on-site; no heavy oils, asphalt, or rubber are burned; and burning starts only between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Residential construction-waste burns (Section I.G) must be 500 feet from occupied structures and are barred during ozone season, April 1 to October 30.
Violations & Fines
Land-clearing or construction-debris burns that miss the setback, timing, or material conditions lose the exemption and become prohibited open burning subject to DES enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charleston County require clearing brush around my house?
How far from roads must a land-clearing burn be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston County
Compare Charleston County to another location·View the South Carolina fire regulations overview
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