Simpsonville, SC Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Simpsonville, SC, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Daytime construction
- Exempt, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Nighttime construction
- Prohibited without permit
- Permit issued by
- City administrator (§ 18-87)
- Chart night level
- Asterisk = permit required
- Also subject to
- Administrative stop orders (§ 18-88)
Summary
Construction machinery, heavy equipment and power tools are exempt from Simpsonville's noise rules when operated during daytime hours (7 a.m.–10 p.m.). Operating them at night is prohibited unless the city administrator issues a special permit under Sec. 18-87.
When operated at night, construction machinery, heavy duty equipment used in street repair and maintenance and domestic and commercial power tools, unless a permit is obtained.
(b) Continuous or repeated noises. Regardless of the level of sound, the following shall be deemed a nuisance and shall be prohibited under section 18-82 :
(1) 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
Sec. 18-85(1) exempts sound from construction machinery, heavy-duty equipment and building repair/maintenance tools 'when operated during daytime hours,' though they remain subject to administrative stop orders (Sec. 18-88). Sec. 18-84(a)(8) makes those same tools a nuisance 'when operated at night... unless a permit is obtained.' The Sec. 18-90 chart marks night construction/yard-equipment levels with an asterisk meaning 'permit required.' Under Sec. 18-87(b) the city administrator may permit specific nighttime construction only if the applicant shows no reasonable daytime alternative exists and the work serves the public interest.
Violations & Fines
Nighttime construction noise without a permit is a nuisance under Sec. 18-82; after a warning, repeat violations carry a $50-to-state-maximum fine or up to 30 days' jail, plus possible stop orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can crews work construction at night in Simpsonville?
Is daytime construction noise ever restricted?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simpsonville
How Simpsonville compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Simpsonville to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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