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Dorchester County, SC Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

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

Quiet hours in Dorchester County, SC, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.

Key Facts

Standard
Unreasonably loud/disturbing
Decibel limit
None set by county
Fireworks curfew
10 p.m.–10 a.m.
Governing law
County Code § 28-2
Penalty
Up to $500 / 30 days

Summary

Unincorporated Dorchester County bans unreasonably loud or disturbing noise under County Code Sec. 28-2 with no fixed decibel limit or quiet hours, judged by character, intensity, and duration. Fireworks are barred 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., and Summerville runs its own noise ordinance.

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

It shall be unlawful for any person to create or allow to continue any unreasonably loud or disturbing, noise within the county. Noise of such a character, intensity or duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual, or of physical discomfort to a person of ordinary sensibilities, or disturbing of the public peace and welfare is strictly prohibited.

Source: South Carolina Code of LawsView official code

Full Breakdown

Dorchester County zones and polices its unincorporated Lowcountry under South Carolina's home-rule grant. Its noise rule, Sec. 28-2, sets no fixed decibel cap or clock-based quiet hours; instead it bans any unreasonably loud or disturbing noise detrimental to health or causing physical discomfort to a person of ordinary sensibilities. Sheriff's deputies judge it by character, intensity, and duration, with the state disorderly-conduct law (S.C. Code §16-17-530) as a backstop. The one hard night rule is fireworks: Sec. 28-7 bars them from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. Summerville runs its own detailed noise ordinance inside town limits.

Violations & Fines

A noise violation under Sec. 28-2 is a misdemeanor; Sec. 1-8 sets the penalty at a fine up to $500 or 30 days, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does unincorporated Dorchester County have set quiet hours?
No fixed hours or decibel limit. Sec. 28-2 bans any unreasonably loud or disturbing noise judged by character, intensity, and duration. Fireworks, though, are barred 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Who enforces noise complaints?
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine or 30 days in jail under Sec. 1-8.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dorchester County

Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Dorchester County rules

How Dorchester County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Dorchester County to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview

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