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Community Development

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1. When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required for any new construction, demolition, construction of room addition, alteration, basement or bathroom finish, adding a garage, carport, deck, sunroom, shed, play house over thirty-two (32) s.f., and swimming pools. A completed Building Permit Application as well as site plans and other requested materials stated in the Guidelines must be submitted to the City of Columbia Clerk’s Office to begin the approval process.  Click here for applications

2. Do I need a permit to install a fence?

Yes. All new and replacement fences must meet the requirements of the Columbia City Code, primarily contained in Ordinance No. 2076. The maximum height of a fence is 6 feet, and you must be able to maintain both sides of the fence on your own property. A Fence Permit Application and site plan indicating the location of fence, relative to street frontage and other structures on property must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office. Please note, city approval does not constitute subdivision approval. The city recommends you contact trustees in your subdivision for any subdivision requirements

3. How long does it take to get a building permit?

In most cases, if applicant meets all requirements, the typical permit request will be processed and issued in three (3) to five (5) working days after the information is submitted. Larger commercial-type construction projects would need additional time as the review process is very extensive.

4. What happens if I work without a permit?

Persons performing work without required permits are subject to legal action and may be issued a citation. At a minimum property will be posted with a “Stop Work Order” until a permit is issued.

5. How far off of the property line must I be if I want to build something?

It depends on the zoning districts which your house is located. Please call the Building Permit Office (618 / 281-7144 ext. 105) for specific setback requirements.

6. Can I put a small yard shed in my backyard and is a permit required?

Yes, if requirements are met, however you must have a permit. Small yard sheds must be placed on a slab, concrete piers or a permanent foundation. The shed placement must meet setback requirements. Please note, city approval does not constitute subdivision approval. The city recommends you contact trustees in your subdivision for any subdivision requirements.

7. I want to add a bedroom in the basement. Is a permit necessary?

Yes, because bedrooms have a requirement for emergency access. Firemen have to able to get into the bedroom from the outside. Therefore, the window must be a certain size. The permit process allows us to insure all requirements are met.

8. Is it necessary to have a building permit to replace a roof?

No, however your roofer must be licensed with the State of Illinois.

9. Are inspections required on rental property?

It is the responsibility of all rental property owners to have their rental property inspected before a tenant moves in. If a tenant moves out of the rental property and another tenant moves in within one year of the inspection, it is not necessary to have it reinspected, but the new tenant needs to apply for an Occupancy Permit . However, if a tenant moves out after one year of the inspection, the rental property needs to be inspected again. The landlord must pay the inspection fee to the City Clerk’s Office before an inspection can be scheduled.

10. Do I need an Occupancy Permit if I am renting?

Yes. You can apply for an Occupancy Permit and pay the fee at the City Clerk’s Office.

11. Do I need an Occupancy Permit if I own a home?

Effective the summer of 2006 the City of Columbia will be enforcing Ordinance No. 2381 which states all new home owners will be required to have an Occupancy Permit. In addition, inspections are required by a City of Columbia Building Inspector for all homes being sold over five (5) years old. The new home owner is required to apply for an Occupancy Permit, however, this permit cannot be issued until the home inspection has been approved by the Building Inspector. If all requirements are met, an Occupancy Permit will be approved and issued. This is a general guide; all requirements in Ordinance No. 2381 are extensive. For specific questions please contact the Building Permit Office at (618) 281-7144 ext. 105.

12. What is a Special Use Permit?

A Special Use Permit allows developments listed in the Official Zoning Ordinance which have been designated “Special Uses” within particular districts. These may be uses of public benefit or service uses which, although generally considered desirable or compatible with other uses, permitted as-of-right in the zoning district in which they are located, require special use review. This review is performed by the Columbia Planning Commission at their regularly scheduled meeting, at a public hearing before the Commission.  Click here for applications

13. What is a Variance Request?

The purpose of a variance is to provide relief to a property owner when strict adherence to the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance would impose an unreasonable hardship. Variations are granted only to provide relief in unusual situations which are not intended or foreseen when the Zoning Ordinance was adopted. Applicants will need to complete a Request for Variance Application and submit to the City Clerk’s Office.  Click here for applications

14. What is the difference between a Special Use and a Variance?

Granting of a “Variance” refers to the property and remains in effect even though the ownership of the property may change. A “Special Use” is granted to the person requesting the “Special Use Permit.” If ownership of the property changes the new owner must request at “Special Use Permit” as well.

15. How do I apply for a zoning change?

To request a zoning change for your property you must complete a “Request for Zoning Amendment” application and submit to the City Clerk’s Office.  Click here for applications

16. I am just replacing my countertops, do I need to have a plumbing inspection for re-connecting my sink back up after replacing the counters?

You do not need an inspection for re-connecting a sink after just simply replacing your counter tops.

17. I want to install an above ground pool what do I need to do?

If you are going to install an above ground pool you will need to complete a building permit and if you are going to need to have electrical work done for the pool you will also need to list an Electrical Contractor. Click here for electrical contractors registered with the City of Columbia. For the pool permit application click here.

18. If I am installing a pool do I need to have a fence installed?

Fence requirements for pools are as follows:

• If your pool is at least 4ft tall you only need to have lockable and removable stairs no fence required.
• If your pool is under 4ft tall you will need to have a fence installed if you do not already and you will need a fence permit. (provide link to fence permit)
• If you are putting a deck around your pool you will need to make sure that it’s surroundings are at least 4ft tall or you will need a fence as well.

You can download a fence application here. 

19. When do I need a Home Occupation Permit?

You will need a Home Occupation Permit if you live within the City limits and work from home. 

20. I am installing a screened in porch do I need a permit?

If you are not installing any wall for the porch and just attaching to the current structure you do not need a permit to install a screened in porch.

21. I am buying a house in Columbia what do I need to do?

If you are purchasing a house in Columbia you need to make sure the following things are done. 

• The house has an inspection that has been done within the past year unless it is was built under 5 years ago. 
• If no inspection yet, fill out Residential Inspection Application. 
• Pay @ Clerk’s Office or online, it is $85.00 for the inspection, usually this is the seller’s responsibility unless you are buying as is. 
• Schedule appointment to have inspection done at 618-281-7144 ext. 105.

22. Can I fill out paperwork online and pay over the phone?

You can fill out paperwork online, a lot of our forms are fillable PDF’s which means you can just type your information online and print or email the form to us. You may pay online with a credit card (look for the online payments icon on our homepage) or stop by the Clerk's office in person to pay with cash, check or credit card. 

23. If we are having a wall taken down in our house do we need a permit and does the inspector need to look at it?

You will need a building permit and it will need to be inspected. Fill out the Building Permit as specified and if there is anything else that needs done we will get with you.

24. I am installing new boards on my porch and wanted to know if that would require that I install rails?

If the adjacent grade is 30” or more you will need to install rails.

25. I want to install a retaining wall in my back yard and put a patio on top of it. Do I need a building permit?

Normally, unless you are in a flood plain you do not need a permit for this. Just make sure you stay away from the drainage easement on your property.

26. I am looking at property in a neighborhood that is now on septic and saw that there is a sewer line close by does the City require that I connect to that sewer line?

If you are within 200 feet of a sewer line the City does require that you connect to it and there will be the additional costs to consider when purchasing the property.

27. When installing a roof what energy code does the City follow?

The City follows the same energy code as the state of Illinois.

28. I am wanting to install a small fence around my air conditioner do I need a fence permit?

Yes, you still need to apply for a fence permit.  

29. I am tearing down my existing deck and building a new one on top of the existing piers, do I still need a building permit?

If you are taking down beams and structural elements then you will need a building permit, if you are just replacing parts then you will not need a building permit.

30. What are the costs for a building permit?

You can find the cost information for a building permit in our municipal code.

31. How tall of a fence can I install on my property?

The maximum fence height is 6ft tall.