Building Safety in Columbia, SC (2026)
5 verified building safety rules for Columbia, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Childcare Center Rules
Columbia's Unified Development Ordinance treats a day care facility as a Community Service Use under Sec. 17-4.2(c)(2)b.1. Any center approved as a principal use must hold current South Carolina Department of Social Services licensing as a Child Care Center, and outdoor play equipment must sit at least 20 feet from any residential lot line.
Columbia Day Care Facility Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsColumbia, SC Unified Development Ordinance § 17-4.2(c)(2)b.1
1. Day Care Facility Day care facilities shall comply with the following standards: (i) Day Care facilities permitted as a principal use shall comply with the South Carolina Department of Social Services Regulations for the licensing of Child Care Centers. (ii) Locate outdoor play equipment no closer than 20 feet to any residential lot line.
Green Building Code
Sec. 17-5.11 requires most new development in Columbia to earn green building points for energy, water, and site features. New residential buildings with three or more units need 3 points (4 at 30-plus units); nonresidential projects over 5,000 square feet need 3 points (4 above 25,000 square feet), chosen from the Table 17-5.11(d)(4) point menu.
Columbia Green Building Standards for New Development
Some RestrictionsColumbia Zoning Ordinance § 17-5.11(a), (b), (d), Green Building Standards
The purpose of this section is to ensure development in the City includes a minimum degree of green building features as a means of protecting and conserving resources, making development more resilient, supporting a healthy lifestyle for citizens, and ensuring a high quality of life for residents. ... Minimum Requirements for Residential Development a. 3 to 29 units: 3 points. b. 30 or more un...
Building Permits
Sec. 5-201 of the Code of Ordinances bars anyone from engaging in "any part or facet of the building business" in Columbia without first obtaining the appropriate permit and paying the required fee. Fees scale with project value under Sec. 5-204, plan review and reinspection carry their own charges, and starting work early adds a 100 percent penalty.
Columbia Building Permit Required Before Construction
Some RestrictionsColumbia, SC Code of Ordinances § 5-201
Before any individual or business entity shall engage in any part or facet of the building business within the city, they shall have obtained an appropriate permit and paid the fees as set forth in this chapter.
Electrical Permits
Columbia enforces the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), 2020 edition, as adopted by the South Carolina Building Code Council, for every electrical installation in the city. Sec. 5-111 adopts the NEC by reference and makes it the controlling standard unless a later state law amendment overrides it. Electrical work is billed under the citywide building permit fee schedule administered by the building official.
Columbia Electrical Work Requires Permit Under NEC
Some RestrictionsColumbia, SC Code of Ordinances § 5-111
There is hereby adopted for the city the National Electric Code (NFPA 70), 2020 edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as adopted by the South Carolina Building Code Council, which code is published separately in book form and is adopted by reference as though copied fully in this section... In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the code adopted ...
Plumbing Permits
Columbia enforces the 2021 International Plumbing Code as its local plumbing standard under Sec. 5-91, with the Code Council's administrative sections on permit authority and official qualifications carved out and replaced by the city's own building-official provisions. A plumbing permit is required under the city's general building-permit rule, Sec. 5-201.
Columbia Adopts 2021 International Plumbing Code
Some RestrictionsColumbia, SC Code of Ordinances § 5-91
(a)There is hereby adopted for the city the International Plumbing Code, 2021 edition, as adopted by the South Carolina Building Code Council, published by the International Code Council, Inc., which code is published separately in book form and is adopted by reference as though copied fully in this section. Specifically excluded from the adoption of the International Code referenced herein is ...
Looking for Richland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbia city rules.
Building Safety in Richland County →