Columbia Planning Department

Columbia Planning Department is a city government office in Columbia, SC. The department provides professional planning, permitting, zoning, and enforcement services to guide the development of the city. Their work focuses on enhancing quality of life, promoting distinctive neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and protecting the environment.

The department operates through several specialized divisions, including Development Review and Permitting, Building Inspections, and Land Development and Zoning. The Development Center serves as a single point of entry for construction review and permitting, managing projects from plan submittal through completion. The Building Inspections Division monitors construction to ensure compliance with established building codes and safety regulations for both new and existing businesses. Additionally, the Planning Division implements long and short-range plans for city corridors and neighborhoods, while also managing historic preservation and urban design guidelines. The department also oversees the administration of the Unified Development Ordinance, which regulates land subdivision, building placement, signage, and parking requirements.

Located on Laurel Street, the office is situated near the Metro Region Police Department and the historic Bouchier Building. It is a short walk from Columbia City Hall and sits near the intersection of Main Street.

The department maintains thorough, well-documented information online through a well-optimized website that is easily accessible.

The Columbia Planning Department provides essential development and regulatory services to ensure the continued growth and safety of the City of Columbia.

Services:

• Comprehensive City Planning
• Historic Preservation
• Multimodal Transportation Planning
• Urban Design District Management
• Zoning and Permitting Services