Cherokee County, SC Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Cherokee County Code § 15-63 lists specific loud noises as common nuisances in unincorporated Cherokee County, South Carolina, and item (1) covers radios, phonographs and similar devices. The rule has two parts. First, it reaches any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or other machine or device that produces or reproduces sound in a way that unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants, whenever the volume is louder than is reasonably necessary for convenient hearing by the voluntary listener in the room, vehicle or chamber where the device runs. Second, sound that is plainly audible at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from a building, structure, any type of residence or vehicle in which it is located is prima facie evidence of a violation. That makes the 100-foot test the working trigger for a car stereo, a porch speaker or a live band.

The Cherokee County Council anchored the article in a finding at § 15-61 that noise of a character, intensity or duration that substantially interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of persons of ordinary sensibilities is unlawful, is a nuisance and is prohibited. Section 15-66 tells the law enforcement officer to use judgment and lists what to weigh: the volume of the noise, its intensity, whether its nature is usual or unusual, whether its origin is natural or unnatural, the type and intensity of ambient noise, and the nature and character of the area in which it is heard.

Section 15-67 controls how a case begins. Officers can advise people of the article and request compliance without a complaint, but no charge is made unless a complaint is made to law enforcement and the person has first been provided an opportunity to abate the noise without penalty. A person becomes guilty if the noise continues or recurs within a twenty-four (24) hour period, or if the same person was given that opportunity two (2) or more times within the previous one hundred eighty (180) days at the same location. Complaints from three (3) or more persons, or from one (1) or more persons combined with a law enforcement officer's complaint, are prima facie evidence that regulated sound was produced. For sound amplifying devices in motor vehicles, the complaint of one (1) officer is enough for prima facie evidence.

Some sound is exempt under § 15-65. That includes sound from a ballpark, playing field, stadium or comparable outdoor facility during organized exhibitions or sports and recreational activities sponsored by government, church or charitable organization, and sound from bells, chimes or carillon instruments.