CITIZEN SERVICE REQUEST
The City of Columbia is prepared to address many of the problems we face living in an urban environment. But they have to know about them first. That=s where we come in.
The following are the issues and concerns we have seen in our neighborhood over the years. Each issue description contains the name and phone number of the City department you should contact if you have a problem in your area. Remember that you can report of a problem anonymously. Once you have contacted the City, they will investigate and take the appropriate action themselves.
You can also to file an On-Line Service Request at: http://helpdesk.govhost.com/columbia-sc/ or call the Citizen's Response line at 733-8664. We hope this write-up will be of assistance to you and all our neighbors.
University Hill Neighborhood Association
ZONING
Improper Use:
Property that is zoned residential cannot be used for commercial purposes. Each situation is different. Report alleged violations to Development Services at 733-8323. Inspectors from Development Services will research existing files and make an inspection of the property.
Occupancy of residential property by more than three unrelated persons:
Most zoning classifications limit the number of unrelated persons living at a property to no more than three. The City has a Rooming House Team that investigates alleged violations. Members of the team include employees from Administration, Business License, Development Services, Fire Department, Inspections Department and Police Department. Report the address of the alleged violation to either Development Services at 733-8323 or Inspections at 343-8707. The Rooming House Team will schedule a visit to the property. If violations are found upon inspection, the Rooming House Team will contact the property owner. A visit from the Rooming House Team can result in the issuance of a number of uniform ordinance summonses.
Too many dwellings units for the size of the lot:
Zoning ordinances limit the number of dwelling units located on a lot. The zoning classification determines the square footage requirements. Most of the University Hill Neighborhood is located in an RD zoning classification, with the balance being in RG-2, RG-3, and C-1.
• In an RD classification, the lot can only contain two residential units. The lot must be at least 5,000 square feet to support one unit. To support a second unit, the lot must contain an additional 2,500 square feet.
• In an RG-2 zoning classification, the lot must be at least 5,000 sq. ft. to support one dwelling. An additional 2,500 sq. ft. is required to support each additional dwelling unit. An RG-3 zoning classification allows high rise residential buildings.
• In a C-1 zoning classification, the lot must be 5,000 sq. ft. to support the first building. An additional 2,500 sq. ft. is required to support a second unit.
Each situation must be evaluated on its own. Units that have existed for an extensive period of time may be grandfathered. Report alleged violations to Development Services at 733-8323.
TRASH
Roll carts not put away or put out too soon:
Roll carts and recyclables containers are to be placed at the curbside no later than 8:00 a.m. and removed from the curbside no later than 7:30 p.m. on the day of collection. For violations, contact Inspections at 733-8330. An inspector will contact the occupants of the property and advise them of the ordinance provisions. Repeated violations will result in the removal of the roll cart. A charge of $68.50 will be incurred to obtain a replacement roll cart. In addition, a summons can be issued carrying a potential fine of up to $500.00.
General household garbage not put in roll cart or not put in securely:
The Solid Waste Division allows citizens to place two securely fastened plastic garbage bags beside the roll cart on the day of collection. Violations should be reported to Solid Waste at 733-8456.
Large items not disposed of properly:
Bulky waste such as appliances, furniture, bedding and other large items are collected on the regular collection day. Building material, bricks and construction debris are subject to a special charge. Prior to placing construction debris on the street for collection, call the Solid Waste Division at 733-8456 and arrange a collection day. Report violations to Inspections at 733-8330.
Litter Not Picked Up:
City ordinances prohibit littering on any property in the City. Responsibility for the removal of the litter from a property and its adjacent tree zone falls on the owner of the property. Report violations to Inspections at 733-8330.
MAINTENANCE
Plantings not trimmed to clear sidewalk:
Plantings on a property and its adjacent tree zone should not be allowed to grow out over the sidewalk. Report violations to the Forestry Division at 733-8457. Upon receipt of a complaint, a supervisor from the Forestry Division will visit the property and determine if the overgrowth creates a hazard to the general public or an obstruction to the pedestrian right of way. The Forestry Division will trim plants on the right-of-way which create a hazard over the sidewalk or road. If plants on private property create a site obstruction, the Forestry and Beautification Division will contact the property owner and request that the situation be abated.
Lots overgrown with grass and weeds:
City ordinances require that overgrown grass and weeds not exceed 12 inches high on average. The responsibility for cutting overgrowth falls on the property owner. Report violations to Inspections at 733-8330. A notice will be sent to the property owner. If the property owner does not comply within 10 days, the City will cause the lot to be cut and will charge the property owner a minimum of $150.00 per lot.
Dilapidated Appearance of Structure:
Residential and commercial properties must be maintained in accordance with the International Property Maintenance Code. Report alleged violations to Inspections at 343-8707. An inspector will visit the property. If violations are noted, a property maintenance case will be started. Repairs in accordance with the IPMC must be made and inspected. If repairs are not made, the inspector will issue a uniform ordinance summons to the property owner. Failure to comply can result in the demolition of the property.
OCCUPANT MISDEEDS
Loud parties:
City ordinances do not permit creating or continuing unreasonably loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise. The Police Department at 252-2911 should be contacted about loud or disturbing noises. If the situation is not loud or disturbing when the Police Department arrives on the scene, they cannot take action. For this reason, citizens are encouraged to sign warrants for violations of this ordinance. Those persons creating or permitting the loud and unnecessary noise will be held accountable. Those persons might not be the owners of the property. Upon two convictions within a 6 month period or three convictions in a 12 month period, the recently adopted nuisance ordinance will apply to hold the property owner accountable for conduct at the property in violation of the ordinance.
Chronic Excessive Noise:
City ordinances address maximum permitted sound levels within the corporate limits of the City. Examples of chronic noises that have been addressed by this ordinance include commercial air conditioning units, signal alarms, noise from patrons and musicians at nightclubs and certain recreational activities. Although the intent of the ordinance is to address chronic repetitious noises, please be advised that a circular saw violates the current decibel settings of the ordinance. If a repeated violation of the ordinance disturbs a resident, contact should be made with the Inspections Department at 343-8707. An inspector will visit the property and take decibel readings of the noises being made. If in violation, the Inspections Department will notify the parties responsible and attempt to resolve the issue. If a resolution cannot be reached, the inspector will issue a uniform ordinance summons to the person causing the chronic noise.
Failure to pick up pet waste:
City ordinances hold the owner of every animal responsible for removal of any excretia deposited by the animal on public walks or ways, recreation areas or private property. This includes the area that the animal uses in its own yard. While Animal Services officers and Inspections Department inspectors work together to address these concerns, it is impossible to pursue violators of this ordinance outside the owner=s yard area unless the officer observes the owner and animal committing the violation. Inspectors are dependent on citizen input to address these concerns. The remedy for this situation is the issuance of a uniform ordinance summons to the owner of the animal. Repeat violations will trigger the recently adopted nuisance ordinance. To report violations, please call Inspections at 733-8330 or Animal Services at 776-7387.
Leash law violations:
Animal Services requires dogs to be kept on a leash or in an approved confined area within the city limits. Any dog found in violation of the above is deemed to be running at large. Owners of dogs allowed to run at large are deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Animal Services officers will issue a uniform ordinance summons to the animal=s owner requiring the owner to appear in Municipal Court. The City does not have an ordinance requiring cats to be on a leash. Report violations to Animal Services at 776-7387.
Chronic pet noise -- incessant barking:
Allowing an animal to bark, whine, howl, crow or cackle excessively or untimely will cause the animal to be deemed a nuisance animal. Any animal found in violation of this ordinance can be impounded and not released unless authorized by the Animal Services officer. The Animal Services officer can also issue a uniform ordinance summons to the animal=s owner requiring the owner to appear in Municipal Court. Report violations to Animal Services at 776-7387.
Indoor-type furniture used outdoors:
Furniture located on the exterior of a structure that can provide a breeding place for insects or other vermin can be classified as presenting a safety or health hazard, requiring the removal of this furniture. For alleged violations, call the Inspections Department at 343-8707
Permitting Non-residents to Use Resident Parking Permits:
Parking in a residential parking district is limited to vehicles owned by owners and tenants in the parking district. Every residential unit of the district is entitled to 3 portable visitor parking passes. Tenants in the district are entitled to a maximum of 2 visitor permits per unit. The Police Department has the power to deny the issuance of a permit if any individual is abusing the rights and privileges granted under the ordinance. For questions or to report concerns, contact the Parking Division at 343-8740.
Again, those numbers are...
Animal Services -- 776-7387
Development Services -- 733-8323
Forestry Division -- 733-8457
Inspections Department
Construction - 733-8320
Code Enforcement - 733-8330
Housing - 343-8707
Parking Division -- 343-8740
Police Department -- 252-2911
Solid Waste -- 733-8456
For further information contact Kathryn Fenner (252-8752), UNA Beautification Committee Chair, or John Stucker (765-0786), UNA President.
