Columbia, SC Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code of Ordinances § 5-151
- Adopted code
- 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
- Weed limit
- Growth over 1 foot average is a violation
- Screen standard
- Minimum 16-mesh-per-inch screens, self-closing doors
- Appeal window
- 10 days to property maintenance board of appeals
- Tied to rental permits
- §5-326(b) requires certifying minimum-code compliance
Summary
Columbia enforces minimum habitability and upkeep standards on every rental property through the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, adopted by Sec. 5-151 with local amendments on weeds and insect screens, and rental permits under Sec. 5-326(b) require certifying compliance with this minimum code.
(a)There is hereby adopted by and for the city the International Property Maintenance Code 2021 edition as published by the International Code Council Inc., which code is published separately in book form and is adopted by reference as though copied fully in this section. Specifically excluded from the adoption of the Property Maintenance Code is Section 103, and its subsections (enumerated as 103.1, 103.2, and 103.3) and 105.7. ... (c)Section 302.4 of the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code is amended to read as follows: 302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of one foot on the average. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
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. 7 specifically excluded. The city amends several provisions locally. 4 requires that 'all premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of one foot on the average,' excluding cultivated flowers and gardens, and lets the city cut and bill an owner who ignores a notice of violation. 14 requires 'approved tightly fitting screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch' on every door, window and other opening used for ventilating habitable rooms and food areas year-round, with screen doors needing a working self-closing device, unless air curtains or insect-repellent fans are used instead.
Where the adopted code conflicts with other city ordinances, Sec. 5-151(b) makes the Property Maintenance Code control unless state law overrides it. A person cited under the code can appeal to the property maintenance board of appeals under Sec. 5-297, and from there to a court of competent jurisdiction. This minimum code is the standard rental owners must certify against: Sec. 5-326(b) requires an owner to certify that the property complies with the minimum code before the city will grant a rental permit, and city staff will inspect on request if the owner is unsure whether the property qualifies.
Violations & Fines
Property Maintenance Code violations follow Section 106.3 of the adopted code and the city's general penalty in Sec. 1-5, up to a $500.00 fine or 30 days in jail per offense, with continued noncompliance charged day by day. For weeds specifically, the city can enter after a missed notice, cut the growth itself, and bill the owner or agent for the cost. Appeals go to the property maintenance board of appeals within 10 days of the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What minimum housing code applies to Columbia rentals?
How tall can weeds get on a Columbia rental property before it's a violation?
Can I appeal a property maintenance citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
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