Columbia, SC Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

A district begins with a petition signed by more than 50 percent of resident property owners, triggering a block-by-block survey under Code of Ordinances § 12-104. If more than 75 percent of spaces are occupied and at least half of those vehicles are unregistered in the area, the enforcing department certifies the area to city council, which may designate it a permit parking district by resolution and set the restricted hours (§ 12-103, § 12-104). Once posted, § 12-105 restricts all on-street parking during the signed hours except for permit holders.

Each residential unit may receive up to two owner-occupant vehicle permits, and tenants may obtain a permit for the lease term (§ 12-106). Residents also get three portable visitor permits, and tenants get one per rental unit unless off-street visitor parking already exists (§ 12-107). Special temporary permits for gatherings, funerals or social occasions must be requested in writing 24 hours in advance (§ 12-108). Permits remain city property and can be summarily confiscated if found on a vehicle not registered at an address in the district (§ 12-110).

Fees run $30 per vehicle for a 24-month owner-occupant permit, $5 per vehicle per month for tenants, $24 for a 24-month visitor permit and $10 to transfer a permit to another vehicle (§ 12-111). Denied or cancelled permits may be appealed to the head of the enforcing department within seven days (§ 12-115).