Residential Projects

All regulated work performed in the City of Columbia must have a permit. Two types of permits can be issued depending on the type of work being performed; either a Building Permit or a Building Trade Permit.

A Building Trade Permit includes work such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas that typically does not require the review of Zoning, the Plans Examiner, Engineering or other agency outside of Permitting. To obtain a Building Trade Permit, submit a completed Residential Building Trade Permit application and any required plans to the Development Center for processing.

The Building Permit requires the review of Permitting and Zoning, and typically at least one other City division (i.e. Engineering, Plans Examiner). Please note that the permitting process may require land development reviews such as Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and/or Design/Development Review Commission. The Development Center will take in plans and coordinate the review of such projects. To obtain a Building Permit, first refer to the handout titled Before You Start and the appropriate development checklist to determine the plans required for your project type. Submit a completed permit application, plans, and a $25.00 plan review fee to the Development Center. If you have questions concerning the submittal requirements or the process for obtaining a Building Permit, please call the Development Center at 803-545-3420.

Licensed contractors may now utilize our online, self-service “Access” portal to apply and pay for permits!

ALSO: If the subject property is located within a designated Historic or Design District, a Certificate of Design Approval is required before a permit can be issued. This is typically done during the permit review process. For more information, please contact Planning Staff at (803) 545-3222.

NOTE: Painting, flooring, and other cosmetic work does not require a building permit; see the International Building Code Section 105.2 for exceptions. However, exterior work considered cosmetic in nature may require a Certificate of Design Approval if the property is in a historic or design district – please contact the Planning Division at (803) 545-3222 for additional information.