Columbia, SC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 11-71(a)-(b)
- Standard insurance minimum
- $300,000/$600,000 per policy
- No-protective-policy minimum
- $1,000,000/$2,000,000
- Bond alternative
- $4,000,000 surety bond
- Cancellation notice required
- 30 days
- Continuing encroachments
- Require council ordinance
Summary
Anyone excavating, encroaching on, or temporarily using a Columbia street, easement, or public right-of-way must obtain a permit first under Section 11-71(a), and must indemnify the city against claims arising from the work. Permittees also must carry specific liability insurance, or post a bond instead, before the city will issue the permit.
Any person who proposes to perform any activity which requires excavation, encroachment, the possibility of encroachment, or temporary use or disruption of any street, easement, public right-of-way or other property owned by or under the control of the city shall be required to obtain a permit before conducting such activity. As a condition for the issuance of such permit, the permittee shall be required to indemnify the city and its agents and employees from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses, including attorneys' fees, arising out of or resulting from the permitted activity, whether such activity is conducted by the permittee or its agents, employees, contractors or subcontractors, and to comply with the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.
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
Section 11-71(a) requires a permit before any excavation, encroachment, possible encroachment, or temporary use or disruption of a street, easement, public right-of-way, or other city-controlled property, and conditions the permit on the applicant indemnifying the city and its agents and employees from claims, damages, losses and expenses, including attorneys' fees, arising from the permitted activity. 00 aggregate naming the city as an additional insured, plus a separate general liability policy at the same minimums naming the contractor and the city. 00 approved by the city attorney.
Every policy must give the city 30 days' written notice before cancellation, termination or modification, and the city manager can require additional coverage if the proposed activity poses an unusual hazard. 00 in continuous general liability coverage naming the city as an additional insured.
Violations & Fines
Performing excavation, encroachment, or temporary right-of-way use without the Section 11-71(a) permit and its required indemnification and insurance (or the $4,000,000.00 surety bond alternative) leaves the operator without the city's authorization for the work and exposes it to full liability for any resulting claims, since the code's insurance requirements supersede other provisions of the code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to dig or place something in a Columbia street or sidewalk?
What insurance does an encroachment permit require?
Can I post a bond instead of buying insurance for right-of-way work?
What if my encroachment is permanent, not just for construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
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