Resources
Every residential rental property within the City must have a Residential Rental Permit prior to allowing occupancy as a rental unit. That application and related documents can be found within the Code Enforcement of the City's Police Dept. website.
If you are unsure if a property is rental, call Zoning at 803-545-3333
If you believe that more than 3 unrelated individuals are living in one unit (City ordinance) or other issues related to the upkeep of the property, call Code Enforcement with the address at:
803-545-3430
Water and Wastewater (Sewer) Issues
Columbia Water Division can be reached at 803-545-3300 to report issues with water quality, pressure, leaks, etc.
Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste
Garbage collection is each Thursday and Recycling (blue roll cart) is picked up the first and third Thursdays of each month. Please places the wheels of the carts nearest the curb. This facilitates the mechanical arm to pick them up. Also - please space the carts at least 3 feet apart so that the mechanical arm has room to reach around both sides of the cart.
If you need a new roll cart garbage container or a recycling cart, contact the Soild Waste Division at the number above.
Please break down and fold any cardboard and place it in the cart if possible.
If you leave your trash or recycle cart at the curb, the City's Code Enforcement people can/will ticket it. On the third violation, the cart is taken away and a fine of $76.87 must be paid to get it back.
Leaves, limbs and large items pick-up is each Friday. Ordinance requires homeowners to separate their vegetation (yard trash) from other debris such as broken lawn equipment, old furniture, etc.
Search your smart phone app store for "Columbia SC Solid Waste" to download an app. that will remind you of the pickup dates for all the above.
REGISTER TO VOTE
Online: https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/ovr/start.aspx
League of Women Voters resources
WORKING ON YOUR HOME
Building Permits
The City of Columbia requires permits for construction of a new building, shed, deck, fence, driveway or additions or renovations to existing structures. Small repairs, installation or replacement of heating and air condition units or systems, plumbing and electrical fixtures, demolition or moving of any structure require permits. Contact Building Inspections at 803-545-3420 for help. Their offices are located at 1136 Washington Street, and you can find helpful brochures or talk to the staff about permits, building plan review, inspections, and zoning issues. Visit the website
Buried Lines/Pipes
Call Before You Dig (PUPS) 888-721-7877
It is your responsibility to contact the Palmetto Utilities Protection Service (PUPS) at least 72 hours before you plan to do any digging on your property. PUPS will notify gas, electric, water, cable, and phone utilities to have them locate their underground lines on your property. Visit the website.
Zoning and Planning
A yellow sign is issued when a property owner wishes to reclassify their property for a different use. A change in the zoning of property will permanently change what type of residence, business, or industry can be built. The yellow signs indicate a public hearing will be conducted by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Visit the website.
A green sign is also issued when a property owner wishes to reclassify their property for a different use. The green signs indicate a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning Commission. Visit the website.
Richland Co. has 2 recycling centers that take items like tires, electronics and paint. They are located at:
ORDINANCES
Community Character Ordinance (CC1) website
Code Enforcement Top 10 Complaints!
call 803-545-4340
Ronnie Hingleton - Housing Inspector
Office: 803-737-2467
Cell: 803-223-4044
email: rdhingleton@columbiasc.net
Contact Ms.Joby Williams @ Code Enforcement with your questions/issues at 803-737-5034 or 803-239-8896 (cell).
FAQs on various Code Violations (scroll down to CODE ENFORCEMENT section) at: https://columbiapd.net/faq/
County Graphitti Removal Service 803-576-3468
City - Front Yard Parking Violations 803-545-3333
Roll Cart Violations 803-545-3430
Pet Licensing within the City
https://www.columbiasc.net/animal-services/licensing
Complete List of all Columbia ordinances
Outages
AT&T support website
1-877-737-2478
Spectrum support website
803-252-2253
Dominion outage website
Call the numbers below or report online.
Emergency
Downed/sparking power lines
1-888-333-4465
Gas leaks
1-800-815-0083
Non-Emergency
Power outage
1-888-333-4465
Streetlights & outdoor lighting
1-800-251-7234
Richland County Public Library Main Branch
Police and Fire (Non-Emergency)
Columbia Police Department website
Dispatch: 803-252-2911
File a report ON-LINE at:
Neighborhood Officer Lance Crocker
City of Columbia Police Dept.
South Region Community Response Team (C.R.T.)
HQ 803-545-3500
Cell 803-587-5299
Property Watch by CPD
While away from home, put your address on the Columbia Police Department's watch list. The police will then check on the security of your home while you're away. Call to request this service at 803-545-3500.
Hospitals (Non-Emergency)
PRISMA Richland website
803-434-7000
PRISMA Baptist website
803-296-5010
Providence website
803-256-5300
Owens Field /Jim Hamilton Downtown Airport
If you are concerned about an aircraft flying over the
neighborhood, contact Chris Eversman, the airport manager. Please try to note flight time before calling.
Office: 803-931-3161 - Mobile: 803-767-1789
Email: eversmann@rcgov.us
Government
City of Columbia website
Make sure to go to the bottom of the page to see "Destination Hometown - Explore Columbia" (weekly events).
Columbia Council of Neighborhoods website
Columbia's 311 Online Requests Service website
Richland County website
803-929-6000
State Government Portal website
Our State Elected Officials website
Our City Council District III Official website
Neighborhood Zoned Schools
AC Moore Elementary website
Hand Middle School website
Dreher High School website
Animal Control
803-776-PETS (7387)