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. 

Yes, the home owner or owner's representative needs to be present for the inspection. 

The seller(property owner) or seller's representative needs to apply for the inspection. 

Visit our website https://www.columbiaillinois.com/9/Municipal-Code. You can find the sign in our municipal code under, Title 15 Buildings and Construction > Chapter 15.44 Sign Code.

It is very important you review our sign code and ensure you have everything completed properly, not having a clear understanding of the City’s sign code restrictions can delay the permit process.

You can review your property by going to https://monroecountyil.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html and choosing the Parcel Viewer, you can put in address and use provided information as a reference for creating your site. Other areas of reference could be the following:

• Boundary Survey
• Site Survey
• Subdivision Plats
• Development Plans

Yes, you can reference section 15.44.190 of the sign code.

Minimum fee is $55.00 for a sign permit (sign 40 s.f. or less).  There is an additional $2.35 fee per s.f. if the sign is over 40 s.f.

Please note, temporary banners are allowed to be displayed fourteen (14) days prior to the event, and must be taken down within three (3) days after the event.  Total size of banner must not exceed 16 s.f.  There is a $5.50 fee for a temporary banner; no fee for non-profit groups. NOTE: Banners are NOT permitted on City property or right-of-way, including the corner of N. Main & Route 3 (near gas station) or at the corner of S. Main & Route 3 (near old school house) and shall only be permitted on private property. 

You will need a sign inspection for wall, projecting, free standing, monument and electronic message board signs. There are additional charges for inspections for you sign. See chart below for more information. Please call the phone numbers listed to schedule the inspections. Project Manager and/or Building Permit Holder will be required to be at every inspection listed below.

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

The maximum fence height is 6ft tall. 

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

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.

1. Entrance road to the Immaculate Conception Church property
2. Next to the Cherry Street water tower
3. Bethany United Methodist Church property
4. Next to the bulk water sales building off Admiral Trost Drive
5. Behind the Department of Public Works building

All three tones can be heard via the 3 following links:

• Noon (Public Works Only) - Westminster Chimes (MP3)
• Tornado - Alert (MP3)

One of the components of an effective warning system is to have distinct and easily recognized tones (sirens) for each type of event. It was decided to keep the standard "alert" tone for tornado warnings. The remaining tone, the Noon tone, is sounded out of tradition and is only sounded at the Department of Public Works building. Once used to alert farmers in the field of dinner (lunch time) and supper time, these tones needed to be distinctly different from the other two. 

With the increased coverage area, it was decided a more subtle tone should be used. As a result, the church bells (Westminster Chimes) were selected.

• Inspection fee - $85 (includes one re-inspection, if necessary)
• Over one re-inspection - $85 each

Inspections are good for one year. Property owners, who have previously received a Certificate of Compliance, wishing to sell a dwelling under five years old, will not need an inspection. However, it will still be the new owner’s/occupant’s responsibility to obtain an Occupancy Permit from City Hall.

Inspection fees are included in the Building Permit fee for newly constructed dwellings. Inspections must be scheduled with the Building Permit Office at appropriate times throughout the building process. The Occupancy Permit fee is also included in the Building Permit fee if occupancy immediately follows the issuance of Certificate of Compliance approval.

Inspections are done on Mondays from 9 am to 3 pm and Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 am to 2 pm for all residential occupancy permits.

There are a few different ways you can schedule and pay for your inspection:

• Come into City Hall and complete an application and pay $85 to the Clerk’s Office.
• Complete your application online and print out and bring in and pay the 85.

We will not schedule your inspection until the form has been completed and payment has been made.

Once your inspection has been completed it will take 3 to 5 days to get the results of the inspection. If the property passed the inspection you will receive a Certificate of Compliance if the inspection did not pass you will receive an Inspection Report outlining the items that will need to be completed prior to issuance of Certificate of Compliance.

Yes, the home owner or owner’s representative needs to be present for the inspection.

The seller (property owner) or seller’s representative needs to apply for the inspection.

A boil order is a public notification to customers notifying them to boil tap water before consuming it. Boil orders are issued when:

• An event has occurred with the potential to adversely affect water quality (i.e. water main break)
• A situation has occurred where there is known degradation of the water quality

The quickest way to be notified of a boil order is to sign up on "CodeRed." Notification will be posted on the electronic message board located at the corner of Route 3 and Sand Bank Road, and two portable electronic messages boards will be placed in high-traffic areas. Depending on the time of day, notification will also be listed on the home page of this website and the City’s Facebook page.

Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring water to a rolling boil, let it boil for five minutes, and cool before using; or use bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food until you are notified that the boil order has been lifted

• Throw away uncooked food or beverages or ice cubes made with tap water during the day(s) of the boil order.
• Water that has been boiled and cooled should be stored in the refrigerator.
• Do not swallow water while you are showering or bathing.
• Provide pets with boiled water after cooling.
• Do not use home filtering devises in place of boiling or using bottled water. Most home water filters will not provide adequate protection for microorganisms.
• Use only water that has been boiled to treat minor injuries. When showering or bathing, avoid allowing the water to come in contact with an open wound.
• Do not wash salad items with tap water. Use bottled water or freshly boiled and cooled tap water.

According to the Illinois EPA guidelines, water samples must be collected to test for bacteria in the distribution system. Water Quality samples are taken on the day when the issue (main break, etc.) has been corrected and then incubated 18 to 24 hours, as required by the EPA. Only after this period of time can test results be read. From beginning to end, this process to lift a boil order can take a couple of days to complete.

Once lifted, flush household pipes, ice makers, water fountains, etc. prior to using for drinking or cooking. Follow these guidelines for flushing:

• Automatic ice makers: Make three batches of ice and discard them.
• Change refrigerator filters.
• Faucets: Run all cold water faucets in your home for one minute at one time with the highest water flow possible to prevent splashing of flooding of the drains.
• Water softeners: Run for one minute at the highest flow rate possible.

Our water is safe to drink and meets the standards set by both the federal and state Environmental Protection Agencies.

Many taste and odor calls are due to the chlorine which is added to the water to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms. Others are due to tastes and odors in the river which are not removed by the plant and which only a few people can detect.

Certain times of the year when there is less rainfall, the hardness in the water is higher because there has been no rainfall to dilute the minerals in the river. This hardness can settle out in the plumbing in the form of a white or tan residue. Hardness is calcium carbonate and is a substance that is beneficial to the human body. Deposits can be removed with vinegar or a water softener can be installed to remove the calcium carbonate. A high hardness content can sometimes form an oily appearing film on the top of the water.

If the white clears from the bottom up, it is due to excess air in the water. When the cold water comes into a warm room, the air in the water rises to the top. Sometimes it can actually look like milk. This occurs frequently in the winter months.

Humidity loving molds or fungi in the air may grow on shower heads, in shower stalls or in the back of toilets. The growth is typically seen at the interface of moisture and air.

Sometimes rubber gaskets or other plumbing parts in appliances or toilets can break down and need replaced.

There is an airborne bacteria that grows in humid conditions that are pink color. Cleaning with a chlorine solution would help.

Red residue or color in the water is usually caused by the corrosion of galvanized lines in the house, the service line or the distribution system.

This can occur when small particles, which have settled out of the water into the main over a period of time, have been stirred up after a hydrant flushing or a fire.

This is a personal choice as there are pros and cons to using hard or soft water. Home softened water is higher in sodium, more likely to corrode pipes, is additional expense, required periodic equipment maintenance and lacks natural calcium and minerals. However, it can save soap and will not result in hardness deposits. Hard water can dry the skin, can build up a residue in the pipes over time, and requires more detergent, but it contains calcium and magnesium minerals.

Sometimes sulfur bacteria can grow in hot water heaters. If this happens, flush the system well with chlorinated water.

This may be an indication that your copper piping is corroding. This is more likely to occur if your water is softened or if there is improper electrical grounding.

In Illinois, municipalities establishing business districts may impose a business district sales tax (BDST) in quarter percent increments with a maximum rate of 1.00%.  Revenues collected through this sales tax are then reinvested solely in the business district for qualifying expenses.

The tax is NOT imposed on:

• Items that are titled or registered with an Illinois state agency
• Qualifying food, drugs, and medical appliances

Businesses that will NOT charge the BDST:

• Businesses participating in special events
• Dealerships selling vehicles, trailers, RVs, mobile homes, aircraft, or watercraft, etc.
• Service businesses that do not sell or transfer merchandise

Very little of the total area is in the 100-year or 500-year floodplain, although these areas are developable subject to certain design requirements. The primary areas targeted for new development are located not in any of these small areas.

A Business District does not obligate the City to make any advance commitment to build infrastructure. Any public improvements that may be required to support a private development project is subject to a development agreement with the developer.  A development/redevelopment agreement can only be enacted after formal approval by the City Council in an open meeting.  These agreements normally only commit Business District sales taxes projected to be generated by the project to the specific project. The City may commit certain other of its revenues that the project may generate under the provision of the law but that is not common. There is no wording contained in the proposed Plan to this effect.

Actually, there are two such developments referenced in the proposed Plan.  The first is the new St. Louis Steamers facility, located at the intersection of DD and Bluff Roads.  The second is the facility proposed to be constructed near/in the Columbia Quarry.  At least one new hotel, and one new restaurant to be located within the proposed Business District are in various stages of planning.  The development of additional hotel and restaurant venues within the proposed District would certainly be accelerated by the development/expansion of either facility.  It is important to note, neither area is encompassed by the proposed District boundary.

There are many examples across the Metro East.   From O’Fallon (virtually everything in the Central Park area along I-64), Shiloh (Dierberg’s/Target development), Collinsville (Collinsville Crossing), Edwardsville (Dierberg’s development). 

All of these involve development components with many retail sales tax generators, and all were stymied by extraordinary infrastructure costs, improvement & infrastructure demolition, and/or foundation costs associated with undermined site.

Specific to the City of Columbia, in addition to the benefit of incentivizing development along the Route 3/Interstate 255 corridor, implementation of a Business District is one mechanism the City can utilize to mitigate any impacts of increased traffic on Old State Route 3 resulting from the planned Interstate 255/Davis Street Ferry/Imbs Station Road interchange.  Revenues derived solely from the impacted area may be used to constructed required improvements.  This approach ensures any such expenses are not unduly borne solely by City taxpayers.

The exploration of implementing a business district within the City was first discussed at the September 5, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting.  At the September 18, 2023 Council Meeting, the City Council approved the Contract for Professional Services with PGAV Planners, LLC.  This agreement was intended to determine if properties within the City, identified as having the highest likelihood of developing in the next 3-5 years, met certain criteria established by Illinois State Statutes for inclusion in a business district.  This component of the agreement was approved, with a cost of $10,000.00.  If qualifying criteria for the identified area was satisfied, the agreement approved $8,500.00 for the drafting of a business district plan to address impediments to development.  The total amount approved for the study/plan was $18,500.00.

All costs incurred by the City through the research, development, and adoption of the proposed business district plan are eligible for reimbursement from Business District revenues. Additionally, any City-expenses resulting from reviews/guidance related to agreements under a business district may be recovered from district revenues.  The City will recover its actual costs related to the business district prior to releasing any funds to developers.

Absolutely.  In fact, if adopted, the Route 3/I-255 Business District would be the second Business District designated within the City of Columbia (the first was established on the Main Street Abbey development, located in the former location of Immaculate Conception Church).  

Virtually every City cited in the above examples have more than one business district. To reiterate the significance of an earlier response, a business district is not an “if you build it they will come” economic development tool.  Best practices dictate significant interest should be evident there are development projects in the pipeline.  As Illinois Statutes impose a definite lifespan on Business Districts (23 years), and, unlike a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, the term of a Business District cannot be extended, boundaries should be as compact as possible relative to the location of those projects.  As interest in the areas identified in this question expands, the City would certainly explore the applicability of a business district to facilitate development, as appropriate.

The proposed boundaries were crafted to reflect where there is reasonable assurance that new development either has been, or will be proposed and adjacent areas representing realistic expansion of such developments. The overall size of the area is a result of “connection” requirements in found in Illinois Statute regarding boundaries. This necessitated including a large area owned by the Illinois Department of Transportation (the Route 3/I-255 interchange, representing approximately 25% of the total district area)

If adopted, the proposed Business District does not change the zoning of any included properties.  In adherence to state law, amendments to the City's Comprehensive Plan and/or Title 17 of the Columbia Municipal Code (Zoning Code) may only be changed after a duly noticed public hearing is held by the City's Plan Commission. After hearing all persons for/against any proposed amendment, the Plan Commission then makes a recommendation to the City Council for consideration.  An amendment may only be made if the enabling ordinance is passed by the City Council and approved by the Mayor in a meeting held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act.

In summary, even if the Business District is adopted:

• Residential properties will remain residential
• Commercial properties will remain commercial
• Agricultural properties will remain agricultural

Residential properties comprise 7 acres, more or less, of the total proposed district area.  These 14 residences were included in the district due to the immediate proximity to Old State Route 3.  Incorporation in the business district is intended to ultimately provide greater value to these residents, as it creates a financial incentive for potential developers to acquire these properties.  Essentially, these property owners will be positioned to command a premium for their homes IF THEY CHOOSE TO SELL, as a developer will be able to recover a portion of the purchase (property assembly costs) from business district revenues.  

These properties are currently situated in a R-5 Single Family Residence Zoning District.  The Business District DOES NOT rezone ANY property included in the proposed boundary.  Zoning changes may only be done through a standalone process, requiring multiple open, public meetings.

It is important to note the Business District Plan does not impose any requirements on owners of any property proposed for inclusion; nor, does the City have ANY intention (or desire) to exercise its statutory authority to take property through eminent domain.  The reference to eminent domain was taken directly from Section 74.3-3 of Article 11 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-74.3-3).

Theoretically, said property owners will no longer be in a position to demand a premium for their property, as a developer will no longer have the opportunity to receive any sort of reimbursement for property assembly/development costs in that particular area.  This means costs of development (property acquisition, site preparation, construction/repair of public streets/utilities, renovation/demolition of existing buildings, financing, and even relocation costs- all eligible Business District Project Costs under the Business District Development and Redevelopment Act), will solely be the burden of the developer.  Therefore, the attractiveness of Bridgeview for any commercial development would presumably be drastically lower than adjacent property included in the proposed Business District.

Unless there is a zoning change from residential to commercial, requiring a separate, public process, the assessed valuation (and resulting property tax bill) should not be impacted merely through a property's inclusion in a business district.   

A majority of properties adjacent to Bridgeview Drive are zoned C-3 Commercial, and the Bridgeview Drive area is zoned R-5 Single-Family Residential.  As noted elsewhere, a business district does not change land use policies or zoning applicable to included properties.  Given where these parcels on Bridgeview Drive are located, their inherent value for commercial development is to be expected.  When the new Interstate 255 interchange opens, and resulting traffic on Old Route 3 increases, these properties are anticipated to become even more attractive for commercial redevelopment. 

Essentially, the overlay of the Business District does not necessarily increase values any more than the factors noted above (outside of the City's control) and other assessment tools utilized by Monroe/St. Clair Counties (comparable sales figures of comparable properties, etc).

Finally, it should be noted sale value only goes up if a developer is willing to tackle the assembly of properties and incur the costs of demolition wherein, said developer can utilize business district funds to cover those costs and the property owner is willing to sell.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), or Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS), is commonly referred to a drone.  A drone is an aerial device with an onboard computer that is operated remotely, generally by a pilot on the ground, using a handheld controller.  Small drones are battery-operated, weigh less than 55 pounds, have several rotors like a helicopter, and are equipped with a video camera.

After each drone deployment by the Columbia Police Department, the recorded data will be reviewed and evaluated for evidentiary value.  Data of identifiable individuals captured during a drone deployment will not be retained, unless there is reasonable suspicion evidence of criminal activity is present.  All retained data will be maintained or destroyed pursuant to Department records retention and evidence policies, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Videos and photographs collected through the Columbia Police Department Drone Program are stored for the purposes of conducting police investigations and subsequent prosecutions.  Accordingly, videos and photographs are generally accessible to police investigators for official use only. 

Like all police records, videos and photographs may also be subject to additional release under the same rules and restrictions as Body Worn Camera videos and other items of evidence.

The Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167) regulates the use of sUAS by law enforcement in Illinois.  This law seeks to protect the privacy of the public, while allowing law enforcement's use of sUAS under certain circumstances.  Each drone operator and observer will ensure operations of the sUAS are consistent with local, state, and federal law.

Information obtained by sUAS under the permissible uses must be destroyed within 30 days, unless there is a reasonable suspicion the information contains evidence of criminal activity, the information is relevant to an ongoing investigation, or pending criminal trial.

In addition to the training and study required to maintain a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License, all CPD sUAS operators train regularly in a variety of locations and settings to ensure operational efficiency.  All training is documented, and the records are subject to review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

All CPD sUAS pilots are subject to FAA regulations related to airspace use, and all must have a valid “Part 107” Remote Pilot License or be operating under the direct control of a Remote Pilot in Command.  Officer sUAS Pilots are also subject to the Columbia Police Department Policy on Drone Operations, Policy 607.