Simpsonville, SC Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Simpsonville, 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
- Rule
- Frequent/continued barking = nuisance
- Decibel proof
- Not required
- Covers
- Any animal or bird
- Standard
- Disturbs ordinary-sensibility neighbor
- Section
- Code § 18-84(b)(1)
Summary
Simpsonville Sec. 18-84(b)(1) makes it a nuisance to keep any animal, including a bird, that causes frequent or long-continued noise such as barking, howling or screeching that disturbs a neighbor of ordinary sensibilities. No decibel level is needed to prove the violation.
To keep any animal, including a bird, causing a frequent or long continued noise, such as barking, howling or screeching, disturbing the comfort and repose of any person of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity.
(2) To install or operate a burglar alarm system which uses an audible warning or bell without a functioning device that will shut off the warning or bell within 20 minutes after application of the system when the alarm cannot be readily or conveniently silenced manually by persons who are disturbed by its activation. Each activation of such an alarm that continues beyond 20 minutes shall be deemed a separate offense.
(Code 1995, § 18-94)
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 18-84(b), continuous or repeated animal noise is prohibited 'regardless of the level of sound.' The rule targets keeping any animal that causes 'a frequent or long continued noise, such as barking, howling or screeching, disturbing the comfort and repose of any person of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity.' Enforcement follows the warning-first procedure in Sec. 18-91: officers may request compliance, and a charge is filed only if the disturbance continues within 24 hours or the owner has had two abatement chances in 30 days at the same location.
Violations & Fines
After the required warning, a persistent barking violation brings a fine of not less than $50 up to the state maximum for municipal ordinances, or up to 30 days' imprisonment (Sec. 18-91).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much barking is illegal in Simpsonville?
Will I be fined on the first complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simpsonville
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