Short-term rental guests in Charleston must follow the city general noise ordinance and quiet-hour standards in residential zones. STR hosts are responsible for guest conduct and may face escalating fines for repeat noise complaints.
Charleston Code Chapter 24 (Offenses Against Public Peace) prohibits unreasonable noise audible at the property line, with stricter quiet-hour standards generally from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. in residential districts. STR hosts who allow recurring loud parties can be cited as the property owner under nuisance provisions. The Charleston Police Department responds to complaints and may issue warnings on first incident, citations on second, and refer egregious patterns to the Finance Department for license review. Hosts often include house rules and noise monitoring devices to manage risk.
Noise violations carry citations under Chapter 24, with escalating fines, possible misdemeanor charges for repeat offenders, and risk of business license revocation for chronic STR nuisance.
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See how Charleston's noise rules rules stack up against other locations.
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