Office of Economic Development logoWhether you are new to the area or a longtime resident, navigating the city services you need when starting or growing your business can be overwhelming. Our office is here to help you through each of those steps, and ultimately help your business succeed.
 

If you already know what you need, see below to find the connection to each of those offices or services. If you aren’t sure what your next step should be, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to walk you through it.

Business Licenses

This office can help you obtain your business license, as well as event and other permits.
Phone:
803-545-3345		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
 
Address:
1339 Main Street (1st Floor)
Columbia, SC 29201


Customer Care Center

The Customer Care Center assists in any questions about utility billing and the city itself. They will direct any questions or concerns to the appropriate department.
Phone:
803-545-3300 (24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week)		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Email:
Contact Us Directly
Address:
1136 Washington Street
Columbia, SC 29201


Employment

The City of Columbia has its very own Career Portal so that you can keep track of new job listings and even apply online.
Phone:
803-545-3010		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Address:
1225 Lady Street
Columbia, SC 29201


Office of Business Opportunities

This office provides small businesses with the tools and assistance you may need to conquer the obstacles that stall or prevent your growth.
Phone:
803-545-3950		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Address:
1225 Lady Street (1st Floor)
Columbia, SC 29201


Development Center

This is the spot for all your construction needs when dealing with reviews and permits.
Phone:
803-545-3483		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Email:
Contact Us Directly
Address:
1136 Washington Street (1st Floor)
Columbia, SC 29201


Building Inspections

When it comes to construction work, every design needs to follow specific codes and regulations and this is the place to find them.
Phone:
803-545-3420		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Address:
1136 Washington Street (1st Floor)
Columbia, SC 29201


Planning Division

Whether it is long term or for only a short time, the Planning Division oversees the plans for Columbia, its business districts, corridors and neighborhoods.
Phone:
803-545-3222		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Address:
1136 Washington (3rd Floor)
Columbia, SC 29201


Zoning/Land Use

This division administers the development regulations for Columbia that deals with subdivisions, building sizes and placements, parking requirements and more.
Phone:
803-545-3333		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Address:
1136 Washington Street (1st Floor)
Columbia SC, 29201


Community Development

The Community Development works in improving the lives of Columbia’s citizens by providing opportunities of economic, housing or social value.
Phone:
803-545-3373		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Address:
1225 Lady Street (Suite 102)
Columbia, SC 29201


Utilities & Engineering (Water & Sewer)

This department works to keep Columbia’s water supply at its best by collecting, testing and treating while also overseeing any construction projects that may affect the health of its citizens.
Phone:
803-545-3400		Office Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Email:
Address:
1136 Washington Street
Columbia, SC 29201


Fire Marshall

The Fire Marshall provides county-wide service for Blythewood, Arcadia Lakes, Eastover, and Forest Acres and Richland County and has mutual aid agreements with two nearby military bases as well as six surrounding counties.
Phone:
803-545-3700		Emergency:
911
 
Address:
1800 Laurel Street
Columbia, SC 29201