Pop. 136,632
Columbia regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. SC Code §16-17-530 applies.
Columbia regulates noise under Chapter 8, Article III (Noise) of the Code of Ordinances. The city prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace, with stricter enforcement during nighttime hours.
Columbia limits construction noise in residential areas to daytime hours. Construction generating excessive noise is generally restricted during nighttime.
Columbia regulates carports as accessory structures under Sec. 17-4.3 of the Unified Development Ordinance. Detached carports must meet accessory-structure setbacks and zoning standards, with a building permit generally required if the structure exceeds 200 sq ft.
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 does not impose general municipal impact fees on residential ADUs. New connections to Columbia Water trigger water and sewer tap fees and capacity charges. Any local impact fee in South Carolina must comply with the strict procedural rules of the SC Development Impact Fee Act (SC Code §6-1-910 to §6-1-2010), which requires a capital improvements plan, public hearings, and a rational nexus between the fee and the service. Standard zoning and building permit fees from Columbia's fee schedule apply.
Columbia permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Chapter 17 Sec. 17-4.3(c) of the Columbia Code of Ordinances. An ADU requires a zoning permit and a building permit, with construction subject to the 2021 International Residential Code as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. ADUs may be attached, internal (basement or upstairs), or detached, and floor area is capped at the lesser of 1,000 square feet or 50% of the principal dwelling's floor area.
Columbia allows long-term rental of an ADU subject to the UDO Sec. 17-4.3(c) owner-occupancy condition: either the principal dwelling or the ADU must be the owner's permanent residence. Short-term rental (30 days or less) of an ADU is regulated by Columbia Ord. 2023-037, which requires a Short-Term Rental Permit, a city Business License, and a local representative within 45 miles of city limits. Long-term tenancy is otherwise governed by the SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, SC Code §27-40, and University of South Carolina student rentals are common in nearby neighborhoods.
Columbia's UDO addresses accessory dwelling units. ADUs may be permitted in certain residential zones subject to size and design standards.
Columbia allows sheds subject to size and setback requirements. Small sheds may not require building permits.
Columbia requires building permits for garage conversions. The space must meet building code standards for habitable rooms.
South Carolina applies the statewide adopted International Residential Code, including IRC Appendix Q for tiny houses under 400 square feet, providing a uniform construction baseline that local jurisdictions must follow.
Columbia caps short-term rental occupancy at two people per bedroom (excluding children) plus two additional persons, applied at any time of day, under Chapter 5, Article IX of the Code of Ordinances.
Columbia requires short-term rental operators to carry liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence covering personal injury (including death) and property damage, under Chapter 5, Article IX of the Code of Ordinances.
STR properties must provide adequate parking for guests. Guest vehicles must comply with city street parking regulations.
Columbia regulates short-term rentals through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). STR operators must obtain permits and comply with zoning, safety, and registration requirements.
Columbia requires STR operators to collect and remit South Carolina accommodations tax and local hospitality tax on all short-term stays.
STR guests must comply with Columbia's noise ordinance. Operators are responsible for ensuring guests observe quiet hours.
South Carolina allows many types of consumer fireworks. Columbia may impose additional local restrictions on discharge times and locations.
Columbia allows recreational fire pits under specific conditions. Fire pits must be contained, distanced from structures, and attended at all times.
Columbia restricts open burning within city limits. Burning trash and debris is generally prohibited. Recreational fires may be allowed under conditions.
South Carolina regulates LP-gas (propane) storage, transport, and installation under Title 40 Chapter 82. The LP-Gas Board licenses dealers and enforces NFPA 58 standards uniformly statewide, preempting inconsistent local rules.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission has statewide authority to declare wildfire emergencies, issue burn bans, and suppress forest fires. Title 48 designates protected forestland and grants suppression powers across all counties.
Columbia regulates on-street parking with time limits, metered downtown areas, and restrictions near hydrants and intersections.
Columbia restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential areas through zoning regulations.
Columbia restricts extended parking of RVs and boats on public streets and regulates storage on residential properties.
Columbia requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces. Parking on unimproved areas in residential zones is a code violation.
South Carolina state law governs abandoned vehicle procedures, requiring law enforcement involvement, owner notification, and mandatory waiting periods before disposal. Title 56 establishes uniform statewide rules that local ordinances must follow.
Columbia's UDO sets fence height limits. Front yard fences are typically limited to 4 feet; side and rear fences may be up to 6 feet.
Columbia generally does not require building permits for standard residential fences within height limits. All fences must comply with UDO requirements.
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.
South Carolina adopts the International Residential Code and International Building Code statewide under Title 6, Chapter 9, requiring uniform pool barrier standards including a minimum 48-inch fence height around residential swimming pools.
Retaining wall construction in South Carolina is governed by the statewide-adopted International Residential Code and International Building Code under SC Code Title 6, Chapter 9, requiring permits and engineering for walls above specified heights.
Columbia does not impose breed-specific bans. South Carolina does not have statewide breed-specific legislation. Dangerous dogs are regulated by behavior.
Columbia requires all dogs to be on a leash or under direct control when off the owner's property. Dogs at large are subject to impoundment.
Columbia allows beekeeping with conditions on hive placement and management. South Carolina requires beekeeper registration.
South Carolina restricts ownership of certain dangerous wild animals. Columbia may impose additional local restrictions on exotic pets.
South Carolina prohibits intentional feeding of black bears statewide and restricts baiting of game wildlife under DNR regulations. These rules apply uniformly across the state to protect public safety and wildlife management.
Columbia requires property owners to maintain grass and vegetation. Overgrown properties trigger code enforcement action and potential city abatement.
Columbia implements water conservation measures during drought conditions. The city follows staged restrictions based on water supply levels.
Columbia requires property owners to maintain trees on their property. The city manages trees in the public right-of-way.
Columbia has tree protection provisions in the UDO. Tree removal may require permits in certain contexts, especially for development projects.
South Carolina law permits rainwater harvesting statewide without state-level restrictions on residential collection. The state recognizes rainwater as a usable resource and does not require permits for typical residential rain barrels.
Columbia prohibits exterior business signs for home occupations in residential areas. The property must maintain residential appearance.
Columbia allows home occupations in residential zones under the UDO. The business must be secondary to residential use with minimal external impact.
Columbia restricts customer visits to home businesses. Home occupations should not generate commercial traffic patterns.
South Carolina's Home-Based Food Production Law allows home producers to make and sell certain non-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen license. State law establishes uniform statewide requirements.
South Carolina requires family childcare homes serving more than a limited number of unrelated children to register or be licensed by DSS. State law establishes uniform health, safety, and staffing standards statewide.
Columbia requires all residential pools to have safety barrier fences at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Columbia requires building permits for pool construction. Pools must meet barrier, electrical, and drain safety requirements.
Above-ground pools must meet the same barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Pools over 24 inches deep require barriers.
South Carolina requires building permits for swimming pools under the statewide adoption of the International Residential Code. The Building Codes Council mandates uniform standards, with local jurisdictions issuing permits and conducting inspections.
Columbia follows the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and the storage of LP-gas containers on or within 10 feet of combustible balconies, decks, and exterior walls of buildings containing more than two dwelling units, unless the building is fully sprinklered. Single-family homes and duplexes are exempt. The Columbia Fire Department's Fire Marshal enforces the state fire code citywide.
Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits their use or storage on or within 10 feet of combustible balconies, decks, or exterior walls of multifamily buildings with more than two dwelling units, unless the building is fully sprinklered. Single-family Columbia residences may use smokers in yards and patios subject to general fire-safety clearance requirements. Columbia has no separate municipal smoker ordinance.
Outdoor kitchens with permanent gas lines, water/sewer connections, electrical wiring, or roofed structures require permits in Columbia. A covered or walled outdoor kitchen is treated as an accessory structure under Columbia UDO Sec. 17-4.3 and requires a zoning permit, a building permit under the 2021 IBC/IRC, and trade permits for gas, plumbing, and electrical work. Accessory structures must be set back at least three feet from side or rear property lines and five feet from any main building unless open on all sides. Freestanding grills with no permanent connections do not require permits.
Columbia does not regulate residential lawn ornaments such as statues, garden gnomes, flamingos, religious displays, or holiday figures on private property under a general municipal ordinance. SC Code §27-1-60 protects display of the United States flag on residential property in HOA-governed communities. Properties in Columbia's designated historic districts may be subject to Design/Development Review Commission guidelines for incompatible yard features. HOAs may otherwise restrict lawn ornaments via recorded covenants enforceable under SC Code §27-30.
Columbia does not impose general municipal time limits on residential holiday lights, and the UDO sign provisions in Chapter 17 exempt non-commercial residential decorations. Standard city nuisance provisions and outdoor-lighting rules still apply. Properties in Columbia's designated historic districts are subject to Design/Development Review Commission guidelines, which may regulate permanent attachments to historic facades. HOA-recorded covenants may impose private rules enforceable under SC Code §27-30 and SC HOA law.
Columbia's UDO sign provisions in Chapter 17 prohibit commercial inflatable advertising devices, banners, pennants, and similar wind-driven attention-getting devices outside businesses, with limited exceptions for permitted special events. Non-commercial residential holiday inflatables (Santas, snowmen, pumpkins) on private property are not regulated as signs and do not require a city permit. Properties in designated historic districts may be subject to Design/Development Review Commission guidelines for prominent yard features visible from a public street.
Columbia participates in the NFIP and strictly regulates development in flood zones. The city experienced catastrophic flooding in October 2015.
South Carolina's Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act gives DHEC OCRM exclusive authority over critical areas in the eight coastal counties. State permits preempt local zoning for activities below the high water mark.
South Carolina's Sediment Reduction Act establishes statewide minimum erosion and sediment control standards for construction sites. DHEC enforces uniform technical requirements that apply regardless of local jurisdiction.
South Carolina's Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction Act establishes statewide minimum standards for land-disturbing activities. DHEC implements the program, with delegated authority to qualifying local governments meeting state criteria.
South Carolina prohibits the sale of marijuana for any purpose, so no licensed dispensaries exist. Local zoning cannot authorize cannabis retail because state law preempts the entire field of controlled substances.
South Carolina state law prohibits cultivation, possession, and use of marijuana for any purpose, including medical and personal home grow. Cities cannot legalize home cultivation under state preemption.
Commercial drone operations in South Carolina are governed by federal FAA Part 107 rules, with state criminal restrictions for prison overflight and surveillance. Local governments cannot regulate flight or commercial operations.
South Carolina state law restricts recreational drone use over correctional facilities and prohibits drone harassment of hunters and anglers. Federal FAA rules govern airspace, but state law adds specific criminal restrictions.
South Carolina preempts local governments from setting minimum wage rates above the federal floor under Section 6-1-130 of the state code.
South Carolina prohibits local governments from mandating paid sick leave or paid family leave benefits on private employers beyond state law.
South Carolina blocks local predictive scheduling and fair workweek ordinances on private employers under broad employment preemption authority.
South Carolina allows concealed carry under permit and, since 2024, lawful permitless carry by eligible adults aged 18 or older.
South Carolina law preempts local governments from regulating firearms, ammunition, components, and related accessories beyond what state law expressly authorizes.
South Carolina permits open carry of handguns by eligible adults under the 2021 Open Carry With Training Act and the 2024 permitless carry law.
South Carolina allows lawful adults to carry a loaded handgun in a private vehicle without a permit under the 2024 constitutional carry expansion of Section 23-31-215.
South Carolina requires every private and public employer in the state to verify the work authorization of new hires using the federal E-Verify program.
South Carolina prohibits any local government or law enforcement agency from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs eviction statewide, allowing termination for nonpayment, lease violations, or end of term without requiring just cause and preempting inconsistent local rules.
South Carolina law expressly prohibits counties and municipalities from enacting rent control ordinances on private residential or commercial property, preempting all local rent regulation statewide.
South Carolina law limits how local zoning can restrict bona fide agricultural operations and farm-related activities on land used for farming.
South Carolina protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits when surrounding land uses change under the Right to Farm Act.
South Carolina prohibits local governments from regulating or banning auxiliary containers including plastic bags, foam containers, and similar single-use items.
South Carolina law blocks local bans on polystyrene foam food service containers under the auxiliary container preemption statute.
South Carolina preempts local ordinances regulating plastic straws and similar single-use food service items under the auxiliary container statute.
South Carolina law limits homeowner association authority to prohibit solar collectors. The Solar Rights Act and Homeowners Association Act protect residential solar installations from unreasonable HOA restrictions, applying uniformly statewide.
South Carolina requires building and electrical permits for solar photovoltaic installations under statewide-adopted codes. The Distributed Energy Resource Program Act and Energy Freedom Act establish uniform rules for residential solar interconnection and net metering across the state.
South Carolina prohibits sale or distribution of tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21 years of age statewide.
South Carolina has not enacted a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or vapor products, and local flavor bans face preemption challenges under state tobacco law.
South Carolina regulates retail sale of vape and electronic smoking devices through state tobacco licensing and youth-access laws under Title 16 and Title 12.