Outdoor music from parties, bands or speakers is unlawful in unincorporated Richland County if it is plainly audible 50 feet from the source and disturbs others. Permitted events are excepted. There are no fixed hours, so the standard applies day and night.
Richland County does not have a stand-alone outdoor-music section; backyard and patio music are covered by the general Section 18-3 noise rule. Music that is plainly audible at 50 feet and annoys, disturbs or endangers the peace of others is prohibited, whether from live bands, DJs or portable speakers. Activities permitted by lawful authority (for example a permitted event) are excepted. If your gathering is inside a city like Columbia or Forest Acres, that city's noise and amplified-sound-permit rules apply instead of the county ordinance.
Outdoor music plainly audible at 50 feet can be cited under Sec. 18-3, fine up to $500.00, enforced by the Sheriff's Department.
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