The City of Columbia Code Enforcement Division is launching a new cloud-based platform for long-term rental registration and renewals in partnership with Tolemi beginning November 16, 2026.

The updated system is designed to create a more efficient and user-friendly experience for property owners and operators while continuing to support compliance with city ordinances and neighborhood standards.

The new self-service portal, powered by Tolemi, allows users to submit applications online, make payments electronically, track application status in real time, and access application history through a single platform.

All long-term rental permits will expire on December 31, 2026. All rental property owners and/or management companies must renew before April 31, 2027.

Please remember that all long-term rental properties operating within the Columbia city limits are required to register with the City of Columbia on an annual basis.

We encourage all rental property owners to complete their renewals by the deadline to avoid additional fees and remain in compliance with City requirement.

Key features of the new platform include:
• Online application submission and real time application tracking
• Online payment options for permits and application fees
• Automatic email notifications for code enforcement cases associated with registered properties
• Permit generation and delivery by email once approved
• Automatic renewal reminders sent approximately 60 days before expiration

Applications can be submitted through the new portal at: https://slate.tolemi.com/c/columbia-sc

All long-term rental fees are $25 dollars per unit. This fee can be waived if you have a valid City of Columbia business license.

Existing long-term rental customers will automatically receive an email with instructions on how to create a login and access the new system. New applicants may begin registering through the portal beginning November 16, 2026.

The City of Columbia’s long-term rental registry serves as the official record of licensed long-term rental properties operating within city limits. The registry helps the City maintain communication with operators, address neighborhood concerns, and support responsible operation of long-term rentals.

Residents who experience issues related to long-term rentals, including noise, parking, trash, or safety concerns, may report complaints through the City’s Code Enforcement Office.

For additional information contact the City of Columbia Code Enforcement Office at 803-545-3430.

The Day 2 Music Festival returns for a day of live music and entertainment! Guests attending Sunday are encouraged to review the following event schedules and parking information before arriving.

Sunday, November 15, 2026 – Day 2 Festival 

• Park Opens: 12:00 p.m.
• Festival Hours: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Parking Information:

• Free parking available at Taylor Street and PJ Cannon parking garages.
• Free COMET shuttle service available from Taylor Street and PJ Cannon from 12:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Limited event parking and ADA parking available in the Laurel Street parking lot.
• Additional ADA parking available on Taylor Street at blue-bagged meters.
• Normal weekend parking rates apply at the Lincoln Street Parking Deck.
• For additional parking information, visit: https://parking.columbiasc.gov/facilities/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Jam Room Music Festival – Saturday

Residents should be aware that the Jam Room Music Festival will take place on Saturday, with festival activities running from 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic is expected in the surrounding area. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow addition time when traveling nearby.

Festival Policies:

• Clear Bag Policy: A clear bag policy will be in effect for both events. Camera bags, diaper bags, and medical necessity bags will be searched and tagged at the gates. All bags are subject to search upon entry.
• Unaccompanied Minors Policy: Finlay Park’s No Unaccompanied Minors policy will be in effect all weekend. Minors must be accompanied by an adult aged 25 or older.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early, allow additional time for parking and security screening, and take advantage of the free parking available throughout the weekend.

For more information:

Jam Room Music Festival: https://jamroommusicfestival.com

Day 2 Festival: https://www.facebook.com/share/18ehDBiHQT/

Dominion Energy will continue performing tree trimming activities along overhead utility lines in the following neighborhoods on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Distribution Line Tree Trimming: 

• Central Rosewood Neighborhood
• South Kilbourne Neighborhood
• Chestnut Hill Plantation
• Riverfront Park Area
• Granby Hill
• Olympia
• Northwood Hills
• Eau Claire Community Council
• Seminary Ridge Neighborhood
• Windemere Springs Neighborhood
• Ridgewood / Monticello
• Hyatt Park Keenan Terrace
• Colonial Park Neighborhood
• Earlewood Community Citizens
• Laurel Hill HOA
• Skyland Neighborhood Association

Citizens with specific questions or concerns should contact Forestry & Beautification at 803-545-3860 or Dominion Energy at (800) 251-7234 to meet and discuss in advance of the work being completed.

Customers can also access Dominion Energy’s new website to follow the tree trimmers in real time at https://treetrimming.dominionenergyse.com/

The trimming will be completed by Dominion Energy’s contractors and work will be closely monitored by the City’s Certified Arborists from the Forestry & Beautification Division.

The purpose of the trimming activities is to increase safety and reliability of the electric service. The trimming guidelines include removing vegetation within 8-12 feet below, beside the power lines and up to 20 feet above the power lines.

Dominion Energy and their contractors trim in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture guidelines, using ANSI A300 pruning methods leaving good cuts that will generate new growth.

Dominion Energy’s re-conductor work includes pole replacements and new wire in select locations. The goal of re-conductor work is to improve reliability.

For more information about Dominion Energy’s tree trimming efforts, including helpful tips and suggestions regarding the planting of trees and other vegetation, visit www.dominionenergysc.com/treetrimming

You can also contact Dominion Energy’s 24-hour Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-562-9308.

For continued updates from the City of Columbia follow us on X @cityofcolumbia or “like” the City of Columbia on Facebook.

In addition to overhead utility tree trimming, transmission line trimming to previous cuts will begin in the coming weeks along Rosewood and Garners Ferry Road. 

The City of Columbia Solid Waste Division is bringing back the annual leaf collection option this fall for residents to drop their bagged leaves at designated container locations throughout the City. Leaf collection containers are for bagged leaves only. Residents are not to dispose of other items at this time. This service will help keep Columbia beautiful and neighborhoods tidy.

Solid Waste will have containers at the following locations:

WEEK 3: 11/13/2026-11/19/2026

A collection calendar is available online at https://publicworks.columbiasc.gov/waste-wizard/.

For more information, please call the Solid Waste Division at 803-545-3800 or visit www.ColumbiaSC.gov.

Who: Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities, and Kick Avenue Coffee Supply Founder J.D. Waugh.

What: The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will celebrate the one-year anniversary of Kick Avenue Coffee Supply on Tomorrow, Friday, November 13, at 11:00 a.m. with a special event featuring remarks from Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann. Located at 617 Harden Street in the heart of Five Points, Kick Avenue Coffee Supply is a specialty coffee retailer and slow coffee bar focused on handcrafted pour-overs and cold brew. The business features a rotating selection of coffees from specialty roasters around the world, introducing customers to a variety of unique coffee flavors. Unlike traditional coffee shops, Kick Avenue serves its coffee black, without milk, cream, sugar or syrups, allowing customers to experience the natural flavors of each coffee. Since opening, Kick Avenue Coffee Supply has worked to establish itself as a gathering place in Five Points while contributing to Columbia’s growing small-business community. The anniversary celebration recognizes the business’s first year in Columbia and the role small businesses play in strengthening local neighborhoods and supporting the city’s economy. Kick Avenue Coffee Supply is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is open to the media.

When: Tomorrow, Friday, November 13, at 11:00 a.m.

Where: Kick Avenue Coffee Supply at 617 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29205

Who: City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities

What: The City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities is hosting a mini workshop to help small business owners and entrepreneurs learn proper brand etiquette and the consistency standards that build customer trust.

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Where: Virginia Bedford Community Center. 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia SC 29203

*Please see attached flyer

PC_11-12-26_AgendaFINAL

On Thursday, November 12, 2026, the City of Columbia Planning Commission meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. respectfully at City Hall, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Members of the public and/or media who want to observe the meeting may do so remotely by accessing the live stream at www.ColumbiaSC.gov or www.YouTube.com/CityOfColumbiaGovernment.

The public may submit letters and statements via e-mail to CoCPC@ColumbiaSC.gov prior to the meeting. Please be sure to include your name and the case information, such as the address and topic of the request.

Questions can be directed to the Zoning Division by calling (803) 545-3222 or by e-mailing lucinda.statler@columbiasc.gov. For additional information, please visit our website at https://planninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov/planning.commission.

*Please see attached agenda

The City of Columbia Solid Waste Division is bringing back the annual leaf collection option this fall for residents to drop their bagged leaves at designated container locations throughout the City. Leaf collection containers are for bagged leaves only. Residents are not to dispose of other items at this time. This service will help keep Columbia beautiful and neighborhoods tidy.

Solid Waste will have containers at the following locations:

WEEK 2: 11/6/2026-11/12/2026

A collection calendar is available online at https://publicworks.columbiasc.gov/waste-wizard/.

For more information, please call the Solid Waste Division at 803-545-3800 or visit www.ColumbiaSC.gov.

Dominion Energy will continue performing tree trimming activities along overhead utility lines in the following neighborhoods on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Distribution Line Tree Trimming:

• Central Rosewood Neighborhood
• South Kilbourne Neighborhood
• Chestnut Hill Plantation
• Riverfront Park Area
• Granby Hill
• Olympia
• Northwood Hills
• Eau Claire Community Council
• Seminary Ridge Neighborhood
• Windemere Springs Neighborhood
• Ridgewood / Monticello
• Hyatt Park Keenan Terrace
• Colonial Park Neighborhood
• Earlewood Community Citizens
• Laurel Hill HOA
• Skyland Neighborhood Association

Citizens with specific questions or concerns should contact Forestry & Beautification at 803-545-3860 or Dominion Energy at (800) 251-7234 to meet and discuss in advance of the work being completed.

Customers can also access Dominion Energy’s new website to follow the tree trimmers in real time at https://treetrimming.dominionenergyse.com/

The trimming will be completed by Dominion Energy’s contractors and work will be closely monitored by the City’s Certified Arborists from the Forestry & Beautification Division.

The purpose of the trimming activities is to increase safety and reliability of the electric service. The trimming guidelines include removing vegetation within 8-12 feet below, beside the power lines and up to 20 feet above the power lines.

Dominion Energy and their contractors trim in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture guidelines, using ANSI A300 pruning methods leaving good cuts that will generate new growth.

Dominion Energy’s re-conductor work includes pole replacements and new wire in select locations. The goal of re-conductor work is to improve reliability.

For more information about Dominion Energy’s tree trimming efforts, including helpful tips and suggestions regarding the planting of trees and other vegetation, visit www.dominionenergysc.com/treetrimming.

You can also contact Dominion Energy’s 24-hour Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-562-9308.

For continued updates from the City of Columbia follow us on X @cityofcolumbia or “like” the City of Columbia on Facebook.

In addition to overhead utility tree trimming, transmission line trimming to previous cuts will begin in the coming weeks along Rosewood and Garners Ferry Road.

Previously announced work for Taylor Street Deck has been postponed until January 2027

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia will begin structural repairs at the Arsenal Hill Parking Deck, located at 1812 Lincoln Street, on Monday, November 16, 2026. This project is part of Phase 1 of the City’s multi-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a strategic investment in revitalizing and maintaining public parking infrastructure across Columbia.

Previously announced work for Taylor Street Deck has been postponed until January 2027.

What Work Will Be Done?                                                                 

The work at the Arsenal Hill deck and other facilities during Phase 1 will include:

1. Repairing concrete spalls, delamination, and exposed reinforcement
2. Addressing cracks on concrete surfaces
3. Replacing deteriorated joint sealant
4. Installing new expansion joints

These updates are designed to improve safety, prolong the life of the parking decks, and help maintain an efficient and accessible parking experience for the public.

In addition to the structural repairs underway as part of Phase 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan, the City of Columbia is also investing in enhanced lighting, updated security cameras, deep cleaning, and fresh painting across City-owned parking decks.

Project Phasing and Impact

To minimize disruptions for downtown employees, residents, and visitors, parking deck renovations will be completed one at a time and is estimated to take approximately two months. Signage will be placed at each parking deck before and during the construction process to inform parkers of the work taking place and guide them to nearby alternative parking options.

Starting on November 16, 2026 and continuing for approximately two months, public and visitor parking at the Arsenal Hill Parking Deck will be unavailable due to planned improvements. To stay informed on project updates, deck reopening dates, and parking alternatives, please visit: https://parking.columbiasc.gov/. During this time, monthly parking arrangements will also be modified.

Parking Services will reach out to monthly parkers as related to the coordination of parking arrangements and minimize disruption. Parking services will also work with events planned in the Arsenal Hill area during the construction period to ensure access to those events is accommodating. The City appreciates the community’s patience as these upgrades are made to improve the overall parking experience in downtown Columbia.

Parkers are encouraged to visit https://parking.columbiasc.gov/downtown-parking-map/ to learn more about where City of Columbia parking decks are located.

Future parking decks slated for repair in Phase 1 include:

1. Taylor Street Deck
2. Lady Street Deck

In all of these parking decks, phased work will allow for partial access throughout the repair period.

What is Concrete Corrosion?

Concrete corrosion is a gradual but serious issue that affects the structural integrity of many parking decks. When water infiltrates a porous concrete surface, it penetrates to the embedded reinforcing steel. Over time, this causes the steel to corrode and expand, breaking the concrete on the surface, and exposing the steel underneath. Left unrepaired, this could compromise the integrity of the structure over time. Corrosion-related repairs are among the most common and costly maintenance issues for aging parking decks.

Why This Work Matters

The City of Columbia’s Parking Revitalization Plan is a proactive effort to extend the life of vital downtown infrastructure and ensure a safe, modern parking experience. By addressing issues before they become critical, the City is investing in public safety, saving long-term costs, and supporting the ongoing vibrancy of downtown Columbia.

The ongoing repairs and enhancements to the City’s parking decks are part of a long-term, strategic reinvestment plan that began with the City of Columbia’s parking rate increase approved by City Council on December 4, 2024 and implemented on March 1, 2025. This initiative was designed to ensure that revenue generated through the updated rate structure could be directly reinvested into maintaining, modernizing, and extending the life of our parking facilities. By aligning these improvements with the broader strategic vision for a safer, more reliable and more accessible parking system, the City continues to deliver on its commitment to strengthening infrastructure and enhancing the overall experience for residents, businesses and visitors.

For More Information

To stay informed on project updates, deck reopening dates, and parking alternatives, please visit: https://parking.columbiasc.gov/