Rock Hill, SC Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 20-162(18)
- Limit
- 60 dB at or beyond the lot line
- Applies
- Residential zones and within 300 ft of a home
- Measurement
- A-weighted, slow response, Type 2 meter
- Construction exception
- 75 dB(A), 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Lawn/garden exception
- 85 dB(A), 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 30 days, § 1-11
Summary
Rock Hill caps noise at 60 decibels at the property line in any residentially zoned area, or within 300 feet of a residence in any zone, under City Code § 20-162(18). The level is measured A-weighted, slow response, on a Type 2 sound meter. Emergencies, permitted events, construction and lawn work carry their own listed exceptions.
(18) Residential areas. In any residentially zoned area or within 300 feet of any residentially occupied structure in any zone, the noise resulting from any activity, whether open or enclosed, shall not exceed 60 decibels at any point on or beyond the lot line. For the purpose of determining decibels as referred to in this section, the noise shall be measured on the A-weighting scale and the slow response on a Type 2 sound level meter of standard design and quality having characteristics established by the American National Standards Institute.
Full Breakdown
" The Code specifies how the reading is taken, on the A-weighting scale with slow response on a Type 2 sound level meter meeting American National Standards Institute characteristics, so measurements are standardized rather than left to an officer's judgment call. capped at 85 dB(A), sound authorized by a city permit, and HVAC unit noise. Outside those carve-outs, exceeding 60 dB at the lot line in a residential area, or within 300 feet of a residence, is itself the violation, no separate showing of disturbance is needed beyond the meter reading. The Rock Hill Police Department enforces the section and cases go to Rock Hill Municipal Court.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 60 dB residential limit without a listed exception under § 20-162(18) is punished as a general Code violation under § 1-11: up to $500.00, up to 30 days imprisonment, or both, with each day of continuing excess noise treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rock Hill's residential noise decibel limit?
Does the 60-decibel limit apply to my whole yard or just next to my neighbor's house?
Are there exceptions to Rock Hill's decibel limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock Hill
Compare Rock Hill to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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