South Carolina permits open carry of handguns by eligible adults under the 2021 Open Carry With Training Act and the 2024 permitless carry law.
Act 21 of 2021 first authorized open carry of handguns by individuals holding a Concealed Weapons Permit. The 2024 permitless carry legislation expanded this to eligible adults aged 18 and older without requiring a permit. Open carry remains prohibited in the same sensitive locations applicable to concealed carry, such as schools, courthouses, and posted private property. Local governments cannot adopt inconsistent rules under Section 23-31-510 firearms preemption, ensuring uniform open-carry rights statewide.
Open carry in prohibited areas is a misdemeanor; brandishing or threatening with a firearm carries enhanced penalties.
Columbia, SC
Columbia prohibits dogs that bark excessively and disturb neighbors. Columbia Animal Services handles complaints about nuisance barking.
Columbia, SC
Columbia regulates noise under Chapter 8, Article III (Noise) of the Code of Ordinances. The city prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace, with ...
Columbia, SC
Columbia requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces. Parking on unimproved areas in residential zones is a code violation.
Columbia, SC
Columbia regulates on-street parking with time limits, metered downtown areas, and restrictions near hydrants and intersections.
Columbia, SC
Columbia restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential areas through zoning regulations.
Columbia, SC
South Carolina does not require neighbor consent to build a fence. Fences must be within property lines. SC has no general fence cost-sharing statute.
See how Columbia's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.