Richland County, SC Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Blower-specific law
- None in the county
- Allowed hours
- 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Category
- Domestic power equipment
- Rule
- Sec. 18-3 exemption window
- Max fine
- Up to $500.00
Summary
Richland County has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Leaf blowers count as domestic power equipment, so they are exempt from the noise rule only when used between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Outside those hours they can violate Section 18-3.
Noise from domestic power equipment including, but not limited to, chain saws, sanders, grinders, lawn and garden tools or similar devices operated after 6:00 a.m. and no later than 10:00 p.m. are exempt.
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 county does not restrict leaf blowers by decibel rating, gas versus electric, or day of week. Instead, leaf blowers fall under Section 18-3's treatment of domestic power equipment (lawn and garden tools and similar devices), which is exempt from the noise prohibition only when operated after 6:00 a.m. and no later than 10:00 p.m. A blower run before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m. that is plainly audible 50 feet away can be cited. Some cities within Richland County adopt stricter or blower-specific rules.
Violations & Fines
Using a leaf blower outside 6 a.m.–10 p.m. loud enough to be plainly audible at 50 feet may draw a citation under Sec. 18-3, fine up to $500.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gas leaf blowers banned in Richland County?
Can my neighbor use a blower at 6 a.m.?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
How Richland County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Richland County to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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