Spartanburg council adopts tighter code-enforcement rules and rewrites protest sound rule
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Summary
The City Council approved changes to the property-maintenance and enforcement sections of the city code, tightened rules on storing trailer coaches on public streets and removed a blanket ban on amplified sound from the picketing ordinance, instead regulating amplification under the noise ordinance; council adopted the revisions by voice vote with one recorded nay.
The Spartanburg City Council voted to adopt edits to multiple sections of the city code intended to clarify property-maintenance definitions, strengthen enforcement for repeat offenders and change how amplified sound during protests is regulated.
Assistant city staff presented language tightening the definition of "structure," adding specific removal-required items (fallen tree limbs, rotting food, accumulated rubbish) and instituting a one-year notice for repeat offenders so that enforcement is not repeatedly reset by repeated notices. The ordinance also prohibits storage of unhitched trailer coaches (campers) on city streets where they become hazards or eyesores; oversized vehicles such as school buses remain governed by separate, size-based regulations.
On protest activity, staff recommended removing a per se ban on amplified sound from the picketing ordinance after litigation and instead letting the existing noise ordinance address amplification. "You can use amplification, but if it becomes noise our officers would be tasked with documenting and asking you to stop," the presenting staff member said, explaining the change was prompted by court precedent and the need to balance free-speech rights with the public's right to quiet enjoyment.
Council members asked how officers will determine the point at which amplified speech becomes actionable noise, how the city will train officers, and how the changes will be communicated to seniors and other residents. Staff said enforcement will be highly fact-specific, advised increased officer training and pledged a public outreach "push-out" plan before the rules take effect.
Councilmember Mesilla moved to adopt the edited language; after a second the council approved the ordinance by voice vote with one recorded nay from Councilman Rogers. Staff said the final language will be published in the code and that outreach materials will be distributed to help residents understand the changes.
What happens next: The ordinance amendments take effect following the usual publication and implementation steps; staff will return to the council if additional procedural steps or design-review items are required.
