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Dorchester County, SC Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

STR-specific rule
None; general noise applies
Unincorporated
County Code § 28-2
Summerville
Nuisance standard § 12-32
Permit risk
Revocation for repeat noise

Summary

STR guests follow the general noise ordinance, Sec. 28-2 in the unincorporated county and Summerville's Sec. 12-32 nuisance standard in town. Summerville can revoke an STR lodging permit after repeated guest-noise complaints.

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.

Any noise and/or vibration of such character, intensity or duration which substantially interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of persons of ordinary sensibilities occupying, owning or controlling nearby properties, or persons making use of public properties for their intended purposes, is hereby declared to be unlawful and to be a nuisance, and is prohibited.

Source: South Carolina Code of LawsView official code

Full Breakdown

A short-term rental is bound by the same noise rules as any home. In unincorporated Dorchester County that is Sec. 28-2's ban on unreasonably loud or disturbing noise; in Summerville it is Chapter 12's nuisance standard, which under Sec. 12-32 prohibits any noise that substantially interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of neighbors of ordinary sensibilities. Summerville's STR conditions separately require that a rental create no disturbing or offensive noise. Because Summerville licenses STRs, repeated guest-noise complaints can jeopardize the owner's lodging permit. Hosts commonly set contractual quiet hours and install noise monitors to protect the permit.

Violations & Fines

Guests or hosts face a misdemeanor noise citation up to $500 or 30 days under Sec. 1-8. In Summerville, repeated complaints can cost the owner the lodging permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there special noise rules for STRs here?
No STR-specific decibel rule. Guests follow the general ordinance: Sec. 28-2 in the unincorporated county, Summerville's Sec. 12-32 nuisance standard in town, plus any Summerville STR permit conditions.
Can a noisy guest cost me my rental permit?
In Summerville, yes. The town licenses STRs and can revoke a lodging permit after repeated noise complaints, even though there is no STR-specific noise ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dorchester County

Short-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingFew Restrictions

All Dorchester County rules

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