Columbia, SC Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

Under Sec. 8-33(b), when the city needs to make an inspection to enforce the nuisance article, the chief of police or his designated inspector may enter a premises at reasonable times. If the premises is occupied, the inspector must first present proper credentials and request entry; if unoccupied, the inspector must first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person in charge and request entry. If entry to either an occupied or unoccupied premises is refused, the director of public services has recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

Sec. 8-31 defines the four categories a reported condition can fall into: nuisances affecting public health (stagnant water, decayed food, sewage violations), public decency, peace and order (gambling, prostitution, illegal liquor sales, excessive public-safety response calls), public welfare and safety (sight-obstructing hedges, unregistered or abandoned vehicles, unpermitted outdoor gatherings), and public economy (graffiti, unlicensed businesses, delinquent city liens). Sec. 8-34 makes it unlawful to create, or by inaction permit, a public nuisance on property under a person's control. Sec. 8-36 lets the chief of police or the housing officer send a written notice to an owner to clear rank vegetation, litter, refuse, or inoperative vehicles within a specified time once a report is substantiated.

Sec. 8-37 requires the city to serve a written abatement notice by personal service, certified mail, or posting at the property, giving contact information and appeal rights before any city abatement and fee assessment.