Mount Pleasant, SC Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Mount Pleasant, SC, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 90.29(B)(4)
- Standard
- Excessive, continuous, untimely, or unreasonable noise
- Complaint process
- Courier notice to owner, § 90.67
- Non-compliance consequence
- Impoundment by Animal Control Officer
- Maximum fine
- $500 or 30 days
Summary
The Town of Mount Pleasant makes it unlawful under § 90.29(B)(4) for any owner to let an animal bark, whine, howl, honk, bray, or cry in an excessive, continuous, untimely, or unreasonable way that seriously annoys or interferes with a neighboring property's use and enjoyment.
(4) Allowing or permitting an animal to bark, whine, howl, honk, bray, cry, or make other noises in an excessive, continuous, untimely, or unreasonable fashion, or to make other noise in such a manner so as to result in a serious annoyance or interference with the reasonable use and enjoyment of neighboring premises.
Full Breakdown
29(B)(4) declares it a public nuisance, and therefore unlawful, for an owner or possessor of an animal to allow or permit the animal to bark, whine, howl, honk, bray, cry, or make other noises in an excessive, continuous, untimely, or unreasonable fashion, or to make noise that results in a serious annoyance or interference with the reasonable use and enjoyment of neighboring premises. 29's broader NUISANCE ANIMALS provision, which opens by defining an animal nuisance as conduct disturbing the rights of, threatening the safety of, or damaging a member of the public, or interfering with the ordinary use and enjoyment of someone's property.
01 under ANIMAL NUISANCE, which separately lists excessive noise-making (barking, whining, howling, honking, braying, crying) as one of eight nuisance triggers, alongside running uncontrolled, property damage, chasing or biting, offensive odors, and unsanitary conditions. 67, once a complaint is lodged against an animal for a nuisance act, the Town must notify the owner by courier at once if identifiable, and the owner must correct the situation immediately or the animal will be impounded by the Animal Control Officer.
Violations & Fines
A confirmed barking or excessive-noise nuisance under § 90.29(B)(4) is punishable under the Chapter 90 general penalty at § 10.99, a fine up to $500 or up to 30 days imprisonment, and an owner who fails to correct the nuisance after notice under § 90.67 risks having the animal impounded, plus boarding fees set by the Town Administrator under § 90.68.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a barking dog law in Mount Pleasant?
What happens after I report a barking dog in Mount Pleasant?
Does Mount Pleasant set a specific decibel limit for barking dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mount Pleasant
Compare Mount Pleasant to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Charleston County handle barking dogs.