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Columbia, SC Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Registration deadline
120 days after vacancy
Registration term
12 months, renews annually
Noncompliance penalty
$500 administrative fine
Compliance inspection fee
$50 annually
Severity categories
I (none), II (minor), III (severe)

Summary

Owners of a vacant building in Columbia must register it with the code enforcement division within 120 days under Sec. 5-293, renew annually, and submit a corrective "vacant building plan" under Sec. 5-294. Registration triggers a code inspection that sorts the property into one of three severity categories, and skipping it brings a $500 penalty.

Except as provided in subsection (b) below, all vacant buildings shall be registered with the code enforcement division within 120 days of becoming vacant as defined in section 5-292. Registration is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually from date the building became vacant.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 5-293(a) requires that "all vacant buildings shall be registered with the code enforcement division within 120 days of becoming vacant," with registration valid for 12 months and renewal required annually. " Owners must supply contact information, any responsible local representative within 45 miles, the tax parcel number, and a vacant building plan under Sec. 5-294 describing how the structure will be made ready for occupancy. After registration, a code enforcement officer inspects the property and assigns it Category I (no code violations, secure and structurally sound), Category II (boarded and secure with minor code violations, irregular maintenance) or Category III (severe code violations, structural deficiencies, history of criminal activity, unfit for occupancy). Sec. 00 annual compliance inspection fee. All registered vacant buildings must stay secured or boarded consistent with Article VII of the same chapter.

Violations & Fines

Failing to register or update a vacant building's information within 30 days of notice draws a $500.00 administrative penalty on top of the registration fee under Sec. 5-296(a). Failing to submit or follow an approved vacant building plan is a separate $500.00 violation under Sec. 5-296(b). Unpaid delinquent registration fees become a debt the city can collect through civil action, and owners may appeal to the property maintenance board of appeals under Sec. 5-297.

Frequently Asked Questions

When must a vacant building be registered in Columbia?
Sec. 5-293(a) requires registration with the code enforcement division within 120 days of the building becoming vacant, and the registration must be renewed every 12 months for as long as the building stays vacant.
What happens if I don't register a vacant building?
Sec. 5-296(a) imposes a $500.00 administrative penalty on top of the normal registration fee if the owner fails to register or update required information within 30 days of notice, and unpaid fees can become a lien collected through civil action.
Are any vacant buildings exempt from registration?
Yes. Sec. 5-293(b) exempts residential rentals with an active rental permit, properties actively listed with a licensed real estate or property management company, multi-unit buildings with at least one occupied unit, non-occupiable accessory structures, and owner-absence situations that still require a courtesy registration.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbia

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingLight Restrictions

All Columbia rules

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