Columbia's Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 17-4.3(c) requires that either the principal dwelling or the accessory dwelling unit be the permanent, full-time residence of the owner of the lot. This owner-occupancy condition applies to every ADU citywide, regardless of whether it is rented long-term or owner-used. Only one ADU is allowed per lot, and the ADU and principal dwelling remain a single legal parcel that cannot be sold separately.
Columbia's UDO at Sec. 17-4.3(c) imposes a direct owner-occupancy condition on every accessory dwelling unit: either the principal dwelling or the ADU must be the permanent, full-time residence of the owner of the lot. The owner-occupancy requirement is enforced through zoning permit conditions and through complaint-driven code enforcement. Documentation typically includes proof of homestead exemption, a SC driver's license matching the property address, voter registration, or other evidence of permanent residency. Only one ADU is allowed per lot, and the ADU and the principal dwelling remain a single legal parcel — they cannot be conveyed separately without subdivision approval. Long-term rental of the ADU as a separate household is governed by the SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, SC Code §27-40, and is consistent with the owner-occupancy condition as long as the owner occupies one of the two dwelling units. Short-term rental of an ADU additionally requires compliance with Columbia's Short-Term Rental Permit ordinance (Ord. 2023-037) and a city Business License. HOAs and historic-district design rules may impose additional private or design restrictions.
Renting both the principal dwelling and the ADU while not occupying either as the owner is a violation of Sec. 17-4.3(c) and triggers code-enforcement action under Chapter 17. Misrepresenting owner-occupancy on permit or STR applications is grounds for permit revocation and civil penalties under Columbia Code Chapter 17. Confirm current penalty amounts with Columbia Planning and Development.
Columbia, SC
Columbia prohibits dogs that bark excessively and disturb neighbors. Columbia Animal Services handles complaints about nuisance barking.
Columbia, SC
Columbia regulates noise under Chapter 8, Article III (Noise) of the Code of Ordinances. The city prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace, with ...
Columbia, SC
Columbia requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces. Parking on unimproved areas in residential zones is a code violation.
Columbia, SC
Columbia regulates on-street parking with time limits, metered downtown areas, and restrictions near hydrants and intersections.
Columbia, SC
Columbia restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential areas through zoning regulations.
Columbia, SC
South Carolina does not require neighbor consent to build a fence. Fences must be within property lines. SC has no general fence cost-sharing statute.
See how Columbia's adu owner occupancy rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.