What can you do in SC if your neighbor is just too loud? Here’s what the law says

Let’s say you’re having a quiet weekend morning, coffee in hand, looking out at your backyard oasis and then wham! The kid next door decides it’s time to crank up some tunes. Or play the drums. Badly.

You first wonder how they can stand such loud music and next, try to figure out what you can do about it.

City ordinances in Columbia and Lexington and other cities have the answer.

Generally you can’t disturb the peace of your neighbor.

Columbia, for example, sets limits of 55 dB from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 50 overnight. That’s roughly the sound of music playing in the background or a normal conversation.

Lexington County’s noise ordinance runs from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and says fireworks must stop at 9 p.m.

What about dogs that won’t stop barking?

Columbia specifically calls them nuisance dogs and animal control can impound them.

That includes whining and howling.

Columbia Animal Services uses a bark log and owners face warnings or fines.

Lexington County calls excessive dog barking a public nuisance, which is a dog barking for 10 or more minutes or intermittent noise for 30 minutes or more.

Lexington County’s ordinance says, “Noise shall include, but not be limited to, noises made by motor vehicles, motorboats, mechanical devices, electrical devices, electronic devices, human voice, music, musical instruments, animals and all activities accessory to residential living.”

If law enforcement issues some sort of violation, courts will consider loudness, time of day, where it’s happening and if it’s a repeat offense.

“You should not have to install soundproofing because your next-door neighbor has weekly parties until 3 a.m.,” FindLaw says.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says the average acceptable noise level is around 60 decibels. Anything higher than 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.

Steps to take in SC

Most legal authorities say you really don’t want the conflict to get to the legal stage — whether you’re on the receiving end or not.

• First, try to talk with them in person. A conversation, not a shouting match.
• Then, remind them in writing there is a noise ordinance.
• Consider mediation.
• Your last resort is to contact the police (or code enforcement or animal control, if applicable).
• You can also file a lawsuit in small claims court. 

“There’s bound to be a time when a neighbor tests your patience with loud parties or a dog that barks nonstop,” FindLaw says. “If the noise isn’t too bad, stock up on earplugs and hope to get a good night’s sleep. But if the noise is relentless and unbearable, you may need to take further action to stop it.”

FindLaw says be reasonable. If it’s a family reunion, have some patience.

Condominium or apartment dwellers can report to the property manager, landlord, or homeowners’ association.

“If your neighbor is drastically interfering with your property rights or harassing you, it might be time to contact a local real estate lawyer. They can explain your options and help you decide what to do next,” FindLaw says.