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city · Richland County · South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

6.5
Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment
Permit Timeline
50 days
7-8 weeks
Total Fees Est.
$11,925
per residential lot
Impact Fees
$9,200
per lot
Permit Fee
$1,950
residential
Plan Review Fee
$775
per application
Delay Risk
36%
probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts
Historic District Overlay (Elmwood Park, Shandon, etc.)Congaree River Overlay
Permitted By-Right Uses
Single-family detached dwellingHome occupationAgriculture
Permitting Requirements

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations
Large metro department. Online portal available. Pre-application meetings recommended.
Recent Changes
Richland County impact fees increased 10% Jan 2026. Zoning code rewrite in progress.
Rezone Probability
64%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone
(803) 545-3300
Official Website
https://www.columbiasc.gov/departments/planning-development

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