Outdoor burning rules in Charleston, SC — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Charleston prohibits open burning within city limits under fire prevention regulations. Burning trash, leaves, or yard debris is not permitted. Only contained recreational fires may be allowed with restrictions.
Charleston's fire prevention code prohibits open burning of trash, leaves, construction debris, and yard waste within city limits. The ban applies year-round and is enforced by the Charleston Fire Department. Small contained recreational fires in approved fire pits may be allowed in residential areas with proper setbacks. Burning during drought conditions or burn bans issued by the SC Forestry Commission is strictly prohibited.
Open burning violations result in fines and potential fire department response costs. Starting a fire during a burn ban carries enhanced penalties.
Charleston, SC
Charleston requires a building permit and zoning review for residential pools through the Permit Center. Plans must be signed by a licensed SC structural eng...
Charleston, SC
Charleston has no standalone tiny-home ordinance. Tiny dwellings on permanent foundations are regulated as accessory dwelling units under Zoning Ordinance Se...
Charleston, SC
Charleston regulates carports as accessory structures under the Zoning Ordinance. Structures over 120 sq ft require a zoning permit, plus a building permit t...
Charleston, SC
Charleston cannot adopt sanctuary policies. South Carolina SB 1318 (2008) prohibits any city or county from limiting cooperation with federal immigration enf...
Charleston, SC
Charleston cannot mandate private-sector paid sick leave. SC §41-1-110 partially preempts local employment benefit ordinances, though the statute leaves narr...
Charleston, SC
Charleston cannot set a local minimum wage. SC §6-1-130, enacted in 2002, blocks all South Carolina cities and counties from establishing a wage floor above ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Charleston County.
See how other cities in Charleston County handle outdoor burning.
See how Charleston's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.