Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Yes, you still need to apply for a fence 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.

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

The maximum fence height is 6ft tall.