Charleston requires property owners to maintain grass and vegetation at a reasonable height. Grass exceeding 12 inches is considered a code violation subject to enforcement action.
Under Charleston's property maintenance code, property owners must keep grass and weeds at a height not exceeding 12 inches. Overgrown lots create fire hazards, harbor vermin, and reduce property values. The Livability Division handles code enforcement for overgrown properties. Vacant lots are also subject to maintenance requirements. Violations are typically complaint-driven, and owners receive notice and a compliance period before fines are assessed.
Owners receive a notice of violation with a compliance deadline. Failure to comply results in city-ordered mowing at the owner's expense plus fines.
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not regulate residential lawn ornaments such as statues, garden gnomes, flamingos, religious displays, or holiday figures on private property...
Charleston, SC
Charleston's sign provisions in the Zoning Ordinance (Title 54) prohibit commercial inflatable advertising devices, balloons, and similar wind-driven attenti...
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not impose general municipal time limits on residential holiday lights, and the Zoning Ordinance sign provisions exempt non-commercial reside...
Charleston, SC
Outdoor kitchens with permanent gas lines, water/sewer connections, electrical wiring, or roofed structures require permits in Charleston. A covered or walle...
Charleston, SC
Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits thei...
Charleston, SC
Charleston follows the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Charleston County.
See how other cities in Charleston County handle grass height limits.
See how Charleston's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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