Current ordinance replaces old ordinance adopted in 2005 and 2009

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Wednesday, November 10, 2021) Berkeley County has implemented a countywide noise ordinance. The new ordinance will replace an old ordinance that was implemented in 2005 and 2009. The new noise ordinance was reviewed and created after Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office received multiple citizen complains concerning noise violations in various communities. The noise ordinance defines noise as “any sound that is either loud, boisterous, unpleasant, unreasonable or that causes a disturbance of the public peace.” Furthermore, creating unnecessary or unusually loud noise that is prolonged or unnatural in time is prohibited. Any persons found to make, or cause to be made, any loud, boisterous, or unreasonable noise will be in violation of the ordinance.

“I worked alongside County Council members and the staff from the Sheriff’s Office to create an ordinance that will benefit citizens.” Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis said. “We have received complaints from all over Berkeley County about disturbances that are a result of noise. We will not overreach with the ordinance but instead we hope to improve our citizens quality of life. Deputies will enforce the noise ordinance but will simultaneously protect everyone’s constitutional rights.”

The ordinance lists several types of noise that include but are not specifically limited to: 1. Radios, televisions, percussion instruments, or loudspeakers 2. Construction, repairing, or demolition of buildings 3. Yelling or shouting 4. Vehicle exhaust or vehicle defect 5. Fireworks or gunshots 6. Any other loud or unnatural noise that would be a discomfort to any residence When a deputy responds to a call for service involving noise, there are enforcement factors that will allow the deputy to use their best judgement to determine if someone is in violation of the noise ordinance. The deputy will take into account circumstances like volume and intensity, proximity to homes, duration and consistency of the noise and the time of day. If the violator is convicted, they would be
required to pay a fine of between $100 and $500 and may be put in jail for no more than 30 days.