An encroachment is the use of a public right-of-way or space for private purposes. Encroachments may be for temporary uses, such as the erection of construction equipment in the right-of-way, and permanent uses, like the placement of utilities. The extension of restaurant dining into outdoor spaces within the right-of-way is also a type of encroachment.
There are four types of encroachment reviews: temporary encroachment permits, outdoor dining encroachments, permanent encroachments, and utility encroachments. All encroachments into City rights-of-way, whether temporary or permanent, are reviewed for ADA compliance, pedestrian and vehicular safety, and any potential conflicts.
Keep in mind that many public right-of-ways within the City of Columbia are owned and maintained by SCDOT. Where encroachments (temporary or permanent) are proposed within state-maintained right-of-way, an SCDOT encroachment permit is also required. While you can apply for both City and SCDOT encroachment permits concurrently, both applications must be approved prior to beginning work.
A temporary encroachment is work that occurs within the public right-of-way, such as lane closures, sidewalk closures, franchise work, the placement of dumpsters or scaffolding, and other associated construction activities. When planning your temporary encroachment application, please be sure to consult the companion Pedestrian Accommodation Guide.
PARK(ing) Day applications, when available, are available on the parklets page.
As our community continues to experience exponential growth and development, the need for a set of standardized accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists in and around construction zones is becoming increasingly clear. We have recently developed a Pedestrian Accommodation Guide for Temporary Encroachments to serve as a companion piece that clearly outlines the City’s expectations for maintaining pedestrian and bicyclist well-being.
The City of Columbia supports and encourages the public use and enjoyment of sidewalks, tree zones, and other right-of-way areas for outdoor dining in all entertainment districts; however, use of sidewalks and other public areas must be ADA compliant, safe for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and meet established design guidelines. City Council recently voted to streamline the process for Outdoor Dining Encroachments. Applications are delegated to the staff level for review and permitting and no longer require City Council action.
Email completed application packet with the required documentation to DevelopmentCenter@ColumbiaSC.gov.
Permanent encroachments are physical changes to the public right-of-way that are meant to be durable and are not easily removed. Permanent encroachments are approved by ordinance, which requires city council approval over the course of two meetings (readings). The act of installing approved permanent encroachment plans requires a temporary encroachment permit.
For questions about permanent encroachments, contact Johnathan Chambers, Land Development Administrator, at 803-545-3206 or Johnathan.Chambers@columbiasc.gov.
The Department of Engineering processes applications for encroachment permits dealing with the installation of utilities.
Encroachment Permits for any work to be performed in a road right-of-way located within the City limits are processed by staff of the Department of Engineering’s Administration Division and approved by the Director of Engineering.
Email completed application packet with required documentation to Michelle.Brazell@ColumbiaSC.gov. For questions regarding utility encroachments, contact Engineering at (803) 545-3400 or reach out to Michelle Brazell directly at (803) 545-3246.
For additional information, please contact the Development Center at (803) 545-3483.
