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Horry County, SC Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Dedicated leaf-blower rule
None
Lawn equipment status
Exempt by day (Sec. 13-35)
Nighttime ban (summer)
9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Nighttime ban (winter)
7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Governing section
Horry County Code 13-32(b)(7)

Summary

Horry County has no dedicated leaf-blower ordinance and generally exempts lawn-maintenance equipment from the noise article. However, Section 13-32(b)(7) prohibits nighttime operation of lawn-maintenance equipment (roughly 9 p.m.–7 a.m. in summer, 7 p.m.–7 a.m. in winter). Daytime yard work is not restricted.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Horry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The operation between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during daylight saving time, and the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during standard time, of any pile driver, steam shovel, pneumatic hammer, derrick, steam or electric hoist, lawn maintenance equipment, or other construction or demolition equipment...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).

Full Breakdown

Horry County does not set a separate leaf-blower rule (no gas-blower ban, decibel cap, or day-of-week limit like some coastal towns). Section 13-35(1) exempts 'lawn maintenance equipment and agricultural equipment' from the general noise article. The one real limit is time-of-day: Section 13-32(b)(7) declares it a prohibited noise to operate 'lawn maintenance equipment' (grouped with pile drivers, pneumatic hammers, and hoists) between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during daylight saving time, or between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during standard time. So leaf blowers and mowers are fine during the day but should not run late at night in unincorporated Horry County. Incorporated cities may impose their own limits.

Violations & Fines

There is no penalty for normal daytime leaf-blower use. Running lawn-maintenance equipment during the prohibited nighttime hours is a noise violation under Sec. 13-32, subject to the Sec. 1-8 penalty of up to $500 or 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are leaf blowers banned in Horry County?
No. There is no leaf-blower ban, and lawn-maintenance equipment is generally exempt from the noise article. Only nighttime operation (roughly after 7–9 p.m.) is prohibited under 13-32(b)(7).
Can I mow or blow leaves early in the morning?
Not before 7:00 a.m. Section 13-32(b)(7) bars lawn-maintenance equipment from 9 p.m. (or 7 p.m. in standard time) until 7:00 a.m. in the unincorporated county.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Horry County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions

All Horry County rules

How Horry County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Horry County to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview

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