Richland County, SC Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Industrial-noise ordinance
- None specific
- Standard
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- Siting control
- Land Development Code zoning
- Rule
- Sec. 18-3
- Max fine
- Up to $500.00
Summary
Richland County has no separate industrial-noise or decibel-by-zone ordinance. Commercial and industrial noise in the unincorporated county is judged under the same Section 18-3 plainly-audible-at-50-feet nuisance standard as any other noise, with land-use limits set through zoning.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be continued, any loud, excessive, unnecessary, or disturbing noise, or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, within the limits of the unincorporated area of the county.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-24: This supplement is current through Ordinance No. 033-25HR).
Full Breakdown
The unincorporated county does not publish decibel thresholds for industrial or commercial operations. Loud, excessive or disturbing noise from a business that is plainly audible 50 feet away and disturbs others can be addressed under Section 18-3. Where a facility operates is governed by the Richland County Land Development Code zoning districts, which separate heavy uses from residential areas rather than imposing a numeric noise cap. For persistent industrial noise, residents can pursue the general noise ordinance and any applicable zoning conditions of approval. State disorderly-conduct law does not target industrial equipment.
Violations & Fines
Business noise plainly audible at 50 feet can be cited under Sec. 18-3, fine up to $500.00; siting is controlled through Land Development Code zoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for factories?
How is where a plant operates decided?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
Compare Richland County to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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