Charleston County, SC Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Charleston County Sec. 10-2, 10-6, 10-7
- Notice period
- 10 days to cut
- Max fine
- $500 or 30 days
- County remedy
- Cut and lien the cost
- Appeal
- Written request to solid waste director
Summary
It is unlawful to permit weeds and rank vegetation to grow on an improved residential or commercial lot in Charleston County. Owners must cut it, and after a 10-day notice the county can cut it and bill the owner.
It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee, or occupant, or any agent, representative, or employee of such owner (all persons hereinafter referred to as "owner") of any occupied or unoccupied improved lot which is located in a residential or commercial area within the county, to permit on any such lot the growth of weeds and rank vegetation. Any lot which has been improved may not be allowed to revert to unimproved status.(b)Solid waste. It shall be unlawful for any owner of any occupied or unoccupied improved or unimproved lot which is located within any unincorporated area of the county, to permit on any such lot the accumulation of solid waste. (Ord. No. 1227, § 1, 8-13-02)
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
Sec. 10-2(a) makes it unlawful for any owner, lessee, or occupant to permit the growth of weeds and rank vegetation on an improved lot in a residential or commercial area. Sec. 10-3(a) requires the owner to cut it as often as necessary. If the county serves notice and the owner fails to cut within ten days (Sec. 10-6), it is a misdemeanor. Under Sec. 10-7, after ten days the public works department or a county agent may enter and cut the vegetation, and the cost becomes a lien on the property recoverable through judgment. Owners may contest an abatement order by filing a written request with the solid waste director before the abatement date.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor if not cut within 10 days of notice: fine up to $500 or up to 30 days, each day a separate offense; county may abate and lien the cutting cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to cut after a notice?
What if the county cuts it for me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston County
How Charleston County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Charleston County to another location·View the South Carolina landscaping rules overview
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