GENERALLY

Charleston, S.C., City Code ch. 25, art. III, div. 1

in effect

Charleston, S.C., City Code § 25-36 Definitions.

Sec. 25-36. - Definitions. The following words and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the following meanings: Chief of police shall mean the chief of police or the chief's designee. First Amendment demonstration means any demonstration, assembly, picketing, speechmaking, marching, protesting, vigil or religious service, and all other like forms of conduct, in or upon any street, including the sidewalk area thereof, park or other public place in the city, that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to draw a crowd or onlookers. First Amendment demonstration permit is a permit as required by this article. Spontaneous gathering is a First Amendment demonstration that is occasioned by breaking news or affairs coming into public knowledge less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the event and is conducted at a public forum. (Ord. No. 2021-105, § 1, 7-29-21)

Charleston, S.C., City Code § 25-37 Hours for conducting First Amendment demonstration restricted.

Sec. 25-37. - Hours for conducting First Amendment demonstration restricted. No permit shall be granted for a demonstration to convene before 8:00 a.m. or terminate after 8:00 p.m. (Ord. No. 2021-105, § 1, 7-29-21)

Charleston, S.C., City Code § 25-38 Safety restrictions and prohibitions.

Sec. 25-38. - Safety restrictions and prohibitions. (a) Threats to safety. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to point or present a firearm (as defined in S.C. Code § 16-25-10(7)), or to brandish a weapon (as defined in City Code § 21-219), while participating in or attending a First Amendment demonstration as defined in this article. (2) For purposes of this section, brandish shall mean to wave or flourish menacingly, to display ostentatiously, threateningly, angrily or aggressively. (3) For purposes of this section, to present a firearm shall mean to offer to view in a threatening manner, or to show in a threatening manner. (b) Open carry prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person(s) participating in a First Amendment demonstration for which a permit has been issued to openly carry a firearm. The person or entity organizing the First Amendment demonstration must post signs as approved and directed by the police department to indicate the specific area where the open carry of firearms are prohibited. (Ord. No. 2021-105, § 1, 7-29-21)

Source: City of Charleston, South Carolina, Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/sc/charleston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CICO_CH25PO_ARTIIIFIAMDE_DIV1GEFetched: 11/7/2026