Pop. 24,158 · Greenville County
We currently have 1 ordinance verified for Simpsonville, SC. Our research team is actively working to add more categories including noise rules, parking restrictions, fence regulations, building permits, and other local ordinances that affect daily life.
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Simpsonville does not have a dedicated chicken or livestock ordinance. The City Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 (Animals) treats poultry as 'fowl' within the four-animal-per-household limit, meaning a resident's total of dogs, cats, and chickens combined may not exceed four animals. Chickens are permitted as long as they do not create a public nuisance.
Greenville County has no separate county-level beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping in Greenville County is governed primarily by South Carolina Code Title 46, Chapter 37 ("Introduction of Honey Bees Into State," §§ 46-37-05 through 46-37-50), administered by the Clemson University Department of Plant Industry under the SC Crop Pest Commission. State law focuses on disease control and the movement of bees into South Carolina rather than on residential hive placement: any bees or used beekeeping fixtures moved into the state must be accompanied by a certificate of inspection issued within 60 days of shipment, plus an entry permit from Clemson's Department of Plant Industry. Inspection and registration of South Carolina hives is a voluntary service provided by the Clemson Apiary Inspection Program. Inside Greenville County, hive setbacks and whether bees are allowed on a given parcel are set by city or municipal zoning, not by the county.
Greenville County does not allow standalone accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or accessory apartments in its single-family residential zoning districts. The County's published Zoning AnswerBook explicitly states that, in single-family residential districts, "converting a basement or garage into a separate apartment is prohibited." Only the one dwelling unit permitted by the zoning district (per Use Table 6.1 of the Greenville County Zoning Ordinance) is allowed on a single-family lot. Property owners wanting an additional dwelling unit must either own land in a multi-family district (e.g., R-M series) or apply for a zoning change or other land-use approval through the Zoning Administration office.
In Greenville County, SC, sheds and other detached accessory structures in single-family residential districts must be located in the rear yard, per the county Zoning Administration. Under South Carolina Residential Code §R105.2 (adopted state-wide), a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less is exempt from a building permit, but it must still comply with Greenville County zoning placement rules. For specific setback and dimensional requirements for a given parcel, contact the Greenville County Code Enforcement Division (864-467-7425).
Greenville County, SC prohibits converting a basement or garage into a separate apartment in single-family residential zoning districts. The Greenville County Answer Book on Zoning states the rule directly: "converting a basement or garage into a separate apartment" is not allowed. Interior conversions of a garage into additional living space that remains part of the primary single-family dwelling (not a separate dwelling unit) may be permissible but require a Greenville County building permit through the Building Safety Department. Any conversion must meet SC Residential Code requirements for habitable space.
South Carolina applies the statewide adopted International Residential Code, including IRC Appendix Q for tiny houses under 400 square feet, providing a uniform construction baseline that local jurisdictions must follow.
Greenville County Code Sec. 4-17 declares it a public nuisance to keep a pet that howls, barks, whines or cries so as to disturb any residence within 200 feet. Animal Control acts on 2 signed complaints from separate households; owner has 7 days to cure.
Greenville County Code Sec. 15-102 prohibits noise crossing a neighbor's exterior property line above 70 dB between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. or 60 dB between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The rule applies in unincorporated areas; the Sheriff's Office enforces complaints.
Aircraft noise regulation in South Carolina is preempted by federal law under the Federal Aviation Act and FAA regulations. Neither the state nor municipalities may directly regulate aircraft operations, flight paths, or in-flight noise.
Residential swimming pool, spa, and hot tub barriers in Greenville County are governed by Appendix G of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), adopted statewide as the South Carolina Residential Code effective January 1, 2023 by the SC Building Codes Council (SC LLR). Under IRC §AG105, any outdoor in-ground, on-ground, or above-ground pool, hot tub, or spa with water deeper than 24 inches must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches above grade, with self-closing/self-latching gates that open outward and openings small enough to prevent passage of a 4-inch sphere. Enforcement in unincorporated Greenville County is through Greenville County Building Safety / Code Enforcement; municipal building departments enforce inside city limits.
Every public swimming pool in Greenville County — including hotel, motel, apartment, condominium, fitness-club, campground, school, water-park, and municipal pools — is regulated under SC Code Title 44, Chapter 55, Article 23 and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Regulation 61-51, "Public Swimming Pools." SC Code §44-55-2390 mandates lifeguards at all Type "A" public pools as defined in R.61-51, with explicit patron-to-lifeguard ratios that scale with pool surface area (e.g., one lifeguard per 1–25 patrons in pools up to 3,000 sq ft; minimum two lifeguards in pools 3,001–9,000 sq ft; minimum three lifeguards in pools over 9,000 sq ft). Type "E" pools must file an approved lifeguard coverage plan with DHEC. Pools requiring only one lifeguard must also have a second pool-staff employee on site for emergency communication.
Pool permitting in Greenville County splits into two tracks. PUBLIC pools — including those at hotels, motels, apartments, condos, country clubs, schools, swim clubs, campgrounds, subdivisions, and water parks — require a state Construction Permit under SC Regulation R.61-51 (Statutory Authority: S.C. Code §44-55-2310 et seq.) issued by the SC Department of Public Health (DPH, formerly DHEC) BEFORE construction or alteration, plus an annual Operating Permit. RESIDENTIAL pools at single-family homes are expressly EXCLUDED from "public swimming pool" under R.61-51.A.45/A.49 and require instead a Greenville County BUILDING permit under the adopted International codes (IRC, ISPSC) enforced by Greenville County Building Safety (864-467-7060), along with compliance with Zoning Ord. Sec. 6:2(18)(B) on placement, setbacks, screening, and lot coverage.
Greenville County does not have a general county-wide tree-trimming ordinance covering private property — that is set by individual city codes. Where Greenville County does have direct jurisdiction is within the county road right-of-way: the Greenville County Public Works Division (864.467.7016) trims and removes trees within county-maintained rights-of-way, and any private party that wants to perform work — including tree trimming, removal, or planting — in the county ROW must first obtain an Encroachment Permit under Greenville County Code § 18-65. Trees in the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) right-of-way are handled by SCDOT (864.241.1224), not by the County.
Greenville County, South Carolina has no countywide outdoor watering ordinance. The dominant water provider, Greenville Water, serves more than 750,000 residents across Greenville County and portions of Anderson, Pickens, and Laurens counties from Table Rock Reservoir, North Saluda Reservoir, and Lake Keowee, and states publicly that it has never had to ask for mandatory water restrictions — conservation is treated as a voluntary best practice. The statewide regulatory framework is the South Carolina Drought Response Act, S.C. Code Ann. §§49-23-10 through 49-23-100, which empowers SC DNR's Drought Response Committee to declare incipient, moderate, severe, or extreme drought stages by drought management area, and §49-23-90 requires every water utility (including Greenville Water) to adopt and implement a SC DNR-approved drought response plan. Violations of any restriction declared under that plan are a misdemeanor, with fines from $50 to $1,000 per violation under §49-23-90.
Greenville County regulates tall grass through Article VI (Environmental Control), Division 3 (Weeds and Rank Vegetation) of the County Code, also known as the County Environmental Ordinance. The definition section (§ 9-106) defines "weeds and rank vegetation" as dense, uncultivated, herbaceous and/or woody growth in or within 200 feet of a developed platted subdivision or a developed zoned residential area that is over 18 inches high, or any growth that serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, a refuge for vermin, or that creates a fire or traffic hazard. Enforcement is by the Greenville County Codes Enforcement Division (864.467.7090). After notice, the property owner has 20 days to bring the lot into compliance before the County may abate the nuisance and bill the owner.
Greenville County, South Carolina addresses overgrown lots and weedy properties through two complementary county ordinances enforced by the Codes Enforcement Division (864.467.7090): the County Environmental Ordinance, which gives property owners 20 days to improve an overgrown lot after notice, and the County Housing Code, which allows up to 60 days for yard cleanup at residential properties. Greenville County has not published a single numeric grass-height threshold in its public AnswerBook description; the standard applied in the field is whether vegetation has become a nuisance or health hazard. Complaints are received by phone, online, or in person at the Code Enforcement office at 301 University Ridge, Suite S-3100, Greenville, SC 29601.
South Carolina law permits rainwater harvesting statewide without state-level restrictions on residential collection. The state recognizes rainwater as a usable resource and does not require permits for typical residential rain barrels.
Greenville County allows only one (1) non-illuminated nameplate sign — not more than 2 square feet (i.e., 1' x 2') — for a home occupation, and it must be mounted flat against the wall of the principal building. No other signs, banners, freestanding signs, or illuminated signs are permitted for home-based businesses in residential districts. The rule is set out at Section 6:2(13)(I) of the Greenville County Zoning Ordinance (Use Conditions for Home Occupations), enforced by Greenville County Code Enforcement.
Greenville County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 6:2(13) limits a home occupation to an activity "clearly incidental" to the dwelling, conducted only inside the principal structure, on no more than 25% of its floor area, with at most one (1) non-resident employee in addition to the resident family. No outdoor storage, no on-site retail sale of off-premises merchandise (except service-related products like beauty supplies), no display visible from the street, no alteration of residential character, and no nuisance. Off-street parking must comply with Table 12.1. These rules together cap how many customers, clients, or deliveries can realistically occur at the home.
Greenville County, South Carolina regulates home-based businesses through the Greenville County Zoning Ordinance, administered by the Zoning Administration department (301 University Ridge, Suite S-3200, Greenville, SC 29601; (864) 467-7425; zoning@greenvillecounty.org). In single-family residential districts, the County's published Answer Book explicitly states "businesses, other than the home occupations specifically listed, are prohibited" — meaning a home occupation is allowed only if it falls within a discrete list of permitted uses in the zoning ordinance, and any other type of business is barred. Property owners pursuing a home occupation must submit the County's Home Occupation Application Guidelines through Building Safety / Zoning Administration before operating. The Zoning Ordinance applies only in unincorporated Greenville County; properties inside the cities of Greenville, Greer, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Travelers Rest, and Fountain Inn are subject to each city's own zoning code.
South Carolina's Home-Based Food Production Law allows home producers to make and sell certain non-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen license. State law establishes uniform statewide requirements.
South Carolina requires family childcare homes serving more than a limited number of unrelated children to register or be licensed by DSS. State law establishes uniform health, safety, and staffing standards statewide.
South Carolina adopts the International Residential Code and International Building Code statewide under Title 6, Chapter 9, requiring uniform pool barrier standards including a minimum 48-inch fence height around residential swimming pools.
Retaining wall construction in South Carolina is governed by the statewide-adopted International Residential Code and International Building Code under SC Code Title 6, Chapter 9, requiring permits and engineering for walls above specified heights.
South Carolina permits the sale and use of consumer fireworks year-round to persons 16 and older under Title 23 Chapter 35. The state preempts local bans, though municipalities may regulate time and place of discharge.
South Carolina law requires anyone burning yard debris outdoors to notify the SC Forestry Commission before ignition. Burning trash, building materials, or debris during a state burn ban is prohibited statewide.
South Carolina regulates LP-gas (propane) storage, transport, and installation under Title 40 Chapter 82. The LP-Gas Board licenses dealers and enforces NFPA 58 standards uniformly statewide, preempting inconsistent local rules.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission has statewide authority to declare wildfire emergencies, issue burn bans, and suppress forest fires. Title 48 designates protected forestland and grants suppression powers across all counties.
Greenville County administers a Floodplain Damage Prevention Ordinance (Ordinance No. 5276) that regulates development in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone A and Zone AE). The County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS), which earns Greenville County residents a 15% discount on flood insurance. A Floodplain Development Permit is required before any construction, fill, grading, or other development in the regulatory floodplain.
Greenville County is a regulated MS4 operator under the federal Clean Water Act NPDES Phase II program, with state coverage issued by the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES, formerly SC DHEC). The County has adopted a Storm Water Management Ordinance administered by the Land Development Division to control runoff, prevent flooding, protect water quality, and prohibit illicit discharges to the county storm sewer system. Erosion and sediment control / NPDES Construction General Permit review is performed by the Greenville County Soil & Water Conservation District.
South Carolina's Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act gives DHEC OCRM exclusive authority over critical areas in the eight coastal counties. State permits preempt local zoning for activities below the high water mark.
South Carolina's Sediment Reduction Act establishes statewide minimum erosion and sediment control standards for construction sites. DHEC enforces uniform technical requirements that apply regardless of local jurisdiction.
Greenville County Solid Waste Division operates a county-wide yard-waste mulching program at Twin Chimneys Landfill in Honea Path and accepts yard debris (in addition to household trash and standard recyclables) at the County's network of Residential Waste & Recycling Centers ("convenience centers"). Curbside yard-waste service is not provided directly by the County; in unincorporated areas it is handled by Greater Greenville Sanitation Commission or private haulers, and inside municipalities by the city. The disposal infrastructure is governed by Greenville County Code Chapter 16 (Solid Waste).
The South Carolina Solid Waste Policy and Management Act (Title 44 Chapter 96) bans certain materials from landfills statewide and sets a 40% recycling goal. Lead-acid batteries, used oil, tires, and yard waste are banned from disposal.
South Carolina prohibits the sale of marijuana for any purpose, so no licensed dispensaries exist. Local zoning cannot authorize cannabis retail because state law preempts the entire field of controlled substances.
South Carolina state law prohibits cultivation, possession, and use of marijuana for any purpose, including medical and personal home grow. Cities cannot legalize home cultivation under state preemption.
Commercial drone operations in South Carolina are governed by federal FAA Part 107 rules, with state criminal restrictions for prison overflight and surveillance. Local governments cannot regulate flight or commercial operations.
South Carolina state law restricts recreational drone use over correctional facilities and prohibits drone harassment of hunters and anglers. Federal FAA rules govern airspace, but state law adds specific criminal restrictions.
South Carolina preempts local governments from setting minimum wage rates above the federal floor under Section 6-1-130 of the state code.
South Carolina prohibits local governments from mandating paid sick leave or paid family leave benefits on private employers beyond state law.
South Carolina blocks local predictive scheduling and fair workweek ordinances on private employers under broad employment preemption authority.
South Carolina allows concealed carry under permit and, since 2024, lawful permitless carry by eligible adults aged 18 or older.
South Carolina law preempts local governments from regulating firearms, ammunition, components, and related accessories beyond what state law expressly authorizes.
South Carolina permits open carry of handguns by eligible adults under the 2021 Open Carry With Training Act and the 2024 permitless carry law.
South Carolina allows lawful adults to carry a loaded handgun in a private vehicle without a permit under the 2024 constitutional carry expansion of Section 23-31-215.
South Carolina requires every private and public employer in the state to verify the work authorization of new hires using the federal E-Verify program.
South Carolina prohibits any local government or law enforcement agency from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs eviction statewide, allowing termination for nonpayment, lease violations, or end of term without requiring just cause and preempting inconsistent local rules.
South Carolina law expressly prohibits counties and municipalities from enacting rent control ordinances on private residential or commercial property, preempting all local rent regulation statewide.
South Carolina law limits how local zoning can restrict bona fide agricultural operations and farm-related activities on land used for farming.
South Carolina protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits when surrounding land uses change under the Right to Farm Act.
South Carolina prohibits local governments from regulating or banning auxiliary containers including plastic bags, foam containers, and similar single-use items.
South Carolina law blocks local bans on polystyrene foam food service containers under the auxiliary container preemption statute.
South Carolina preempts local ordinances regulating plastic straws and similar single-use food service items under the auxiliary container statute.
South Carolina law limits homeowner association authority to prohibit solar collectors. The Solar Rights Act and Homeowners Association Act protect residential solar installations from unreasonable HOA restrictions, applying uniformly statewide.
South Carolina requires building and electrical permits for solar photovoltaic installations under statewide-adopted codes. The Distributed Energy Resource Program Act and Energy Freedom Act establish uniform rules for residential solar interconnection and net metering across the state.
South Carolina prohibits sale or distribution of tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21 years of age statewide.
South Carolina has not enacted a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or vapor products, and local flavor bans face preemption challenges under state tobacco law.
South Carolina regulates retail sale of vape and electronic smoking devices through state tobacco licensing and youth-access laws under Title 16 and Title 12.