North Charleston, SC Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Weekday daytime cap
- 75 dB, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Weekend daytime cap
- 80 dB, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Late-night cap
- 65 dB after evening cutoff
- Default cap
- 60 dB all other times
- 3 citations/year
- license suspended 12 months
Summary
North Charleston sets a five-tier decibel schedule for commercial sound and live music, from 75 dB on weekday afternoons down to 60 dB overnight and on unlisted days.
it shall be unlawful for any commercial establishment...to allow on premise the operation of sound amplification equipment or live music...that creates sound registering in excess of:(1)75 dB Sunday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.;(2)65 dB Sunday through Thursday between 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. the following day;(3)80 dB Friday or Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.; or(4)65 dB Friday or Saturday between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. the following day.(5)60 dB for all days/times not specifically listed above.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
Section 13-126(c) requires a permit for any commercial establishment, breweries, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, lounges, event venues, to run amplified sound or live music, and caps volume by day and hour: 75 dB Sunday through Thursday daytime, dropping to 65 dB after 7 p.m.; 80 dB Friday or Saturday daytime, dropping to 65 dB after 9 p.m.; and 60 dB for any day or hour not otherwise listed. Levels are measured at the property line of the nearest residentially zoned or occupied property. Establishments racking up three citations in twelve months are deemed a nuisance and lose their business license for a year.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted or over-limit amplified sound is a Code violation, up to a $500 fine or 30 days under § 1-10; three citations in 12 months triggers an automatic year-long business license suspension under § 13-126(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a North Charleston bar play music?
What happens after repeat noise citations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Charleston
Compare North Charleston to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Charleston County handle decibel limits.