Richland County does not require homeowners to plant native species, but its Land Development Code favors them: on development sites, trees and plants in parking-lot islands that treat stormwater "must consist of native trees and plants." Homeowner yards are exempt from these standards.
The county's landscaping code, Sec. 26-176, mandates native material only in a narrow development context: plants placed in parking-lot islands that function as stormwater-quality treatment BMPs must be native. Beyond that, the code lists approved tree species from the planning department's "Tree Listings" for required development plantings. Single-family and two-family lots are exempt from these standards, so a homeowner's plant choices are unregulated. There is no county rule against non-native ornamentals in a private yard, and no rule forcing residents to convert lawns to native landscaping.
No penalty applies to homeowner plant selection. On development sites, using non-native plants where natives are required can be a landscaping-plan violation under Sec. 26-176.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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 native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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