Berkeley County, SC Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Berkeley County, SC, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Regulated conduct
- Radios/loudspeakers listed as noise type
- Standard
- No fixed decibel limit; 10-factor test
- Exemption
- Religious bells/chimes up to 5 min/hour
- Exemption
- Stadium/ballpark sound exempt 7am-11pm
- Events
- Permits can suspend noise rule (§ 11-31)
Summary
Berkeley County's noise ordinance names radios, televisions, and loudspeakers as a prohibited noise category whenever the sound becomes excessive or unusually loud enough to disturb residents. Church bells and stadium sound get narrow exemptions, and event permits can suspend the rule; violators face a $100 to $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail under § 38-1.
(c)Types of noise.(1)Radios, televisions, percussion instruments, or loudspeakers;...(e)Exemptions. The following noises shall be exempt from the prohibitions from this section, even when they cause a disturbance:...(3)The sound produced by bells, chimes or other carillon instruments when used to signify the passage of hour, half-hour, or quarter-hour components, or to commemorate a wedding funeral or similar event including regular religious services, provided the sound does not exceed five continuous minutes in duration in any one-hour period...(5)The unamplified sound emanating from a ballpark, playing field, stadium or comparable outdoor facility designed and intended for recreational or sports activity when used during the period between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. of the same calendar day for organized exhibitions, participatory sports, or recreational activities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 38-1(c)(1) lists 'radios, televisions, percussion instruments, or loudspeakers' as one of the specifically named categories of noise banned whenever it is excessive, unnecessary, unnatural or unusually loud enough to be 'a detriment to public health, comfort, convenience, safety, welfare and prosperity' under § 38-1(b). Like the rest of the ordinance, there is no fixed decibel ceiling: an officer applies the ten-factor test in § 38-1(d), weighing volume, duration, time of day, and proximity to residential sleeping areas, to decide whether amplified sound from a stereo, PA system, or loudspeaker crosses the line.
Certain amplified sound is carved out. Section 38-1(e)(3) exempts bells, chimes, or carillon instruments marking the hour or a wedding, funeral, or religious service, so long as the sound runs no more than five continuous minutes in any one-hour period. the same day. For concerts, festivals, parades, or similar events that need amplified music beyond the ordinary rules, § 38-1(f) lets Berkeley County permitting issue an operational or temporary use permit under § 11-31 that suspends the noise section for specified activities, dates, and times, subject to revocation for excessive or inappropriate noise.
Violations & Fines
A § 38-1 violation involving amplified sound is a misdemeanor: conviction carries a fine of $100.00 to $500.00, up to 30 days in jail, or both, under § 38-1(h), with each day of a continuing disturbance charged as a separate offense. The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office and Code Enforcement Officers jointly investigate and enforce complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play loud music at home in Berkeley County?
Are church bells or ballpark PA systems exempt?
Can I get a permit for amplified music at an outdoor festival?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley County
Compare Berkeley County to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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