a. The creation of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises and noises of such character, intensity and duration as are reasonably calculated to be detrimental to the life or health of any ordinary, reasonable person are hereby prohibited.
b. The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises in violation of this section; provided, however, that such enumeration shall not be construed to be exclusive of other noises:
1. The sounding of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus, streetcar or other vehicle while not in motion, except as a danger signal if another vehicle is approaching apparently out of control, or if in motion only as a danger signal after or as brakes are being applied and deceleration of the vehicle is intended; the creation by means of any such signal device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; and the sounding of such device for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time;
2. The playing of any radio, phonograph or any musical instrument in such manner, or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. as to create a noise such as is reasonably calculated to disturb a person of ordinary disposition under the same or similar circumstances residing in a dwelling or other type of residence in the vicinity;
3. The use of any automobile, motorcycle, streetcar or vehicle so out of repair so loaded or operated in such manner as to create loud or unnecessary noises such as spinning or squealing tires, grating, grinding, rattling or other noise;
4. The blowing of any steam whistle attached to any stationary boiler except to give notice of the time to begin or stop work or as a warning of danger;
5. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal- combustion engine, motor vehicle or boat engine except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom;
6. The use of any mechanical device operated by compressed air, except pneumatic drills, unless the noise thereby created is effectively muffled and reduced;
7. The erection (including excavation), demolition, alteration or repair of any building in a residential or business district other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday noon to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety, and then only with a permit from the Clerk/Treasurer, which permit may be renewed for a period of three days or less while the emergency continues;
8. The creation of any excessive noise on any street adjacent to any school, institution of learning or court while the same are in session, which unreasonably interferes with the working of such institution, provided conspicuous signs are displayed in such streets indicating that the same is a school, institution or court street;
9. The creation of a loud and excessive noise in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers;
10. The sounding of any bell or gong attached to any building or premises which is reasonably calculated to disturb a person of ordinary disposition if such person were in the vicinity thereof, provided, however, that this division b.10. shall not apply to houses of worship;
11. The shouting and crying of peddlers, hawkers and vendors which disturbs the quiet and peace of the neighborhood;
12. The use of any drum, loudspeaker or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention by creation of noise to any performance, show or sale of merchandise;
13. The use of loudspeakers or amplifiers on trucks or other vehicles, except where specific license is granted by Town Council;
14. The operation of any garage, service station, auto repair business, taxi business, plant, store, factory or other place of business, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner as to create loud and disturbing noises, as to annoy or disturb the quiet and comfort of any citizen, and particularly the creating of disturbing noises as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort, peace or repose of any person in any dwelling, hotel, boarding house or other type of residence;
15. The starting of a motor vehicle engine of any kind using excessive acceleration or creating loud noises, or at any time to commence or continue the movement of any such vehicle with the spinning of tires or any other excessive noise; and/or
16. The keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort or repose of any persons in the vicinity.
(S.C. Code § 5-7-30) (Prior Code, § 14.709)
Cross-reference:
Musical devices, see § 14.401
Editor’s note:
See Morrison v. Rawlinson. 193 S.C. 25, S.E. 2d 635 (1940)