Richland County, SC Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- STR-specific dB limit
- None in Sec. 16-82
- Applies instead
- County noise/nuisance ordinance
- State backstop
- SC disorderly conduct 16-17-530
- Reachable contact
- Local rep on call at all times
- Duty
- Comply with all county ordinances
Summary
Richland County's STR ordinance does not set a separate decibel limit for rentals. Sec. 16-82 requires the property to comply with all county ordinances at all times, so the county noise ordinance applies to short-term rentals just as it does to any residence.
The owner or responsible local representative of a permitted short-term rental shall ensure the short-term rental property complies with all county ordinances at all times...
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
There is no STR-specific noise standard in Sec. 16-82. Instead, the ordinance provides that the owner or responsible local representative of a permitted short-term rental shall ensure the property complies with all county ordinances at all times. That folds guests into Richland County's general noise and nuisance ordinance and South Carolina disorderly-conduct law (SC Code 16-17-530). Because a responsible local representative must take phone calls at all times, neighbors and the county can reach someone immediately to quiet a disruptive rental. Inside a municipality, that city's noise ordinance controls.
Violations & Fines
Noise complaints are enforced under the county's noise/nuisance ordinance; repeated violations at an STR also breach the Sec. 16-82 duty to comply with all county ordinances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Richland County set a special noise limit for short-term rentals?
Who do neighbors call about a noisy rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
Compare Richland County to another location·View the South Carolina short-term rentals overview
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