Dorchester County, SC Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning § 13.1.2, Noise
- Low-density residential cap
- 60 dB at property line
- Industrial/warehousing cap
- 90 dB at property line
- Nighttime reduction
- -10 dB from 7 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Peak spike allowance
- +5 dB above continuous limit
Summary
A backup or emergency generator is a permitted accessory use under Zoning § 10.3.2(b), but its noise still has to meet the county's decibel table at § 13.1.2, capping continuous noise at the property line anywhere from 60 dB near low-density residential land to 90 dB near industrial uses.
13.1.2 Noise
(a) No noise above such level shall be generated by a use that is objectionable with respect to intermittence, beat, frequency, or shrillness. To accomplish this, the following maximum standards shall apply.
(1) Industrial, mining, timbering, transportation, and warehousing uses: 90 dB.
(2) General commercial uses, unless specified otherwise: 80 dB.
(3) Professional and personal service, office, medium and high-density residential uses: 70 dB.
(4) Low-density residential and agricultural uses: 60 dB.
(b) Any activity within each of the general use groups listed above shall not exceed the corresponding maximum noise level, measured in decibels (dB) at the property line. These noise levels apply from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for continuous noise. Permissible continuous noise levels shall be reduced by ten decibels (10 dB) from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sudden, peak noise levels shall be permissible no more than five decibels (5 dB) higher than those allowed for continuous noise levels.
Full Breakdown
2(b), meaning a generator can be installed on the same lot as its principal use without a separate use permit. ' The ordinance sets four ceilings measured in decibels at the property line: 90 dB for industrial, mining, timbering, transportation, and warehousing uses; 80 dB for general commercial uses; 70 dB for professional/personal service, office, and medium-to-high-density residential uses; and 60 dB for low-density residential and agricultural uses. , the permissible continuous level drops by 10 dB, so a generator running near a low-density residential lot overnight is effectively capped near 50 dB.
Short, sudden peaks (a generator's initial start-up surge, for example) are allowed to run up to 5 dB above whatever continuous limit applies at that hour, but sustained operation above the table is a violation regardless of why the unit is running, including during a storm-related power outage.
Violations & Fines
The Zoning Administrator enforces § 13.1.2 under the general violations authority at § 14.2.1, which lets the county serve written notice on the property owner and require the noise source brought into compliance within a stated time. If the generator noise doesn't stop, the Administrator may issue a stop order, withhold permits or certificates of occupancy for that property, or pursue injunctive relief under § 14.2.3; repeated or continuing violations can each be treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a whole-house generator during a power outage in Dorchester County?
Where is generator noise measured?
Is there a stricter nighttime limit for generator noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dorchester County
Compare Dorchester County to another location·View the South Carolina noise from specific sources overview
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