Cherokee County, SC Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Cherokee County's noise article does not set a decibel limit for music and does not use the word bass. Its test for amplified sound, including a car stereo, is whether the sound is plainly audible. Under § 15-63(1), operating a radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or other sound device at louder volume than is reasonably necessary for convenient hearing by the person in the room or vehicle, in a manner plainly audible at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from a building, structure, residence or vehicle, is prima facie evidence of a violation of the article.

Section 15-67(c) covers vehicles: for excessive noise from sound amplifying devices in motor vehicles, the complaint of one (1) law enforcement officer is prima facie evidence that regulated sound has been produced. In other cases the complaints of three (3) or more persons, or of one or more persons combined with the complaint of a law enforcement officer, serve as prima facie evidence (§ 15-67(b)).

Enforcement in unincorporated Cherokee County starts with a warning. Officers can advise and request compliance without a complaint, but no charge is made unless a complaint is made and the person has first been given an opportunity to abate the noise without penalty. A person is guilty of a violation if the noise continues or recurs within twenty-four (24) hours, or if the same person has had two (2) or more opportunities within the previous one hundred eighty (180) days to abate a noise at the same location. Section 15-66 lists what an officer weighs: volume, intensity, whether the noise is usual or unusual, whether its origin is natural or unnatural, ambient noise, and the nature and character of the area.

Exemptions apply under § 15-65. The article does not reach noise from an agricultural operation, from an industrial or commercial facility operation, from hunting or target practice, or from a ballpark, playing field or stadium during organized activities sponsored by government, church or charitable organization. One tract at 200 Ashley Lane near Gaffney is exempt up to one hundred five (105) decibels at its property lines while used exclusively as a multiuse motorsports facility. Motor vehicles in lawful operating condition on public streets and highways are also exempt, subject to applicable federal noise regulations.