Horry County's noise ordinance does not set numeric decibel limits. Section 13-33 directs enforcement officers to use judgment and weigh factors such as volume, time of day, duration, zoning, and proximity to homes to decide whether a noise unreasonably disturbs others.
Unlike some cities, Horry County uses no dBA table. Section 13-33 provides that in enforcing the noise standards an officer 'may be required to exercise judgment and/or discretion' in deciding whether a noise annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers others. The officer weighs ten listed factors: the volume; whether it is usual or unusual for the area; whether its origin is natural or unnatural; other ambient noise; proximity to residential sleeping facilities; the nature and zoning of the area; the time of day; the duration; whether it is recurrent, intermittent, or constant; and whether it disturbs the public's peace. Fixed rules (50-foot audibility after 11 p.m., construction hours) supply the bright lines.
Because the standard is judgment-based, enforcement usually starts with a warning, then a citation. A confirmed Article III violation is a misdemeanor subject to Sec. 1-8: up to $500 or 30 days, each day a separate offense.
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