Orangeburg County, SC Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies within
- APZ / Approach Zones, precision instrument runways
- Required reduction
- At least 30 db outdoor-to-indoor NLR
- Exempt airports
- Private airports, non-precision runways
- Approval by
- Zoning Administrator, before permit issues
- Districts covered
- Orangeburg Municipal Airport, US North Auxiliary
Summary
Within the Approach Zones of a precision instrument runway in unincorporated Orangeburg County, the Zoning Ordinance requires new residential dwellings and public-reception buildings to be built to cut outdoor-to-indoor noise by at least 30 decibels. Private airports and non-precision runways are exempt from the requirement entirely.
Section 2.7-4. - Noise Restrictions. Noise restrictions shall apply within the APZ and Approach Zones of any Precision Instrument Runway. Private airports and all runways designed for other than precision instrument landings shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. ... Where permitted within the Approach Zone of an Airport District, residential dwellings and portions of buildings where the public will be received, shall be structurally designed and constructed to achieve an outdoor to indoor Peak Noise Level Reduction (NLR) of at least 30 db (decibels). All other permitted uses and structures shall be exempt from this section.
Full Breakdown
S. North Auxiliary Air Field District. 'Private airports and all runways designed for other than precision instrument landings shall be exempt from the provisions of this section,' so the standard reaches only the specific approach corridors of a precision-instrument runway. ' The ordinance notes that normal construction already provides about 20 db of reduction, so the incremental requirement is roughly an additional 10 db achieved through sound-insulation materials and construction methods; all other permitted uses and structures are exempt from the section. A description of the proposed noise-reduction methods and materials must accompany the building permit application and is subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator before the permit issues.
Violations & Fines
Constructing a residential dwelling or public-reception building in an Approach Zone without the required 30 db noise-level-reduction design, or without the Zoning Administrator's approval of the submitted noise-reduction plan, is a zoning violation. The Zoning Administrator enforces Section 2.7-4, and appeals of enforcement or requests for a variance go to the Zoning Board of Appeals under Article 9, which also requires input from the Airport Operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Orangeburg County require special soundproofing near the airport?
Are all airports in Orangeburg County subject to the noise rule?
What noise reduction does normal home construction already provide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orangeburg County
Compare Orangeburg County to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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