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Development Services

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1. Can I add a pipe along the ditch in the front of my yard?

The City does not allow converting ditches to piped conveyances in most situations as the ditch needs to remain open to take on water from the surrounding yard and roadway system.

2. Can I have a Short Term Rental (STR) in my home?

Short term rentals, or one room hotel operations, are only allowed in commercial zoning districts that allow transient hotel business. The zoning district map for Columbia can be found on our GIS Mapping webpage.

3. Can I install another driveway access point at my house?

Residential lots are allowed one driveway access per lot. Any additional access points would require an exception to the Access Management Ordinance to be heard and approved by the CMPC.

4. How can I see what is being constructed or proposed developments in an area?

All submitted requests for development and construction related projects are public records that can be viewed at City Hall. The Building Permit Portal can also be used to search through building permit data and information. We also publish an Online GIS Map of approved developments and their estimate current build-out.

5. Do I need a permit for a temporary ad banner in front of my business?

There is no permit required for a temporary banner in front of your business as long as the advertisement is no more than 16 square feet in total size; represents the business in which it is displayed in front of, and it is displayed for no more than 14 days.

6. Do I need a permit for a shed or accessory structure?

Accessory structures over a certain size do require a building permit. All accessory structures require completing and filing the accessory structure questionnaire so we can determine the placement and location is compliant with City Ordinances and does not obstruct easements. Please visit our webpage about accessory structures to learn more about the requirements.

7. Do I need a permit to install a fence?

Fences do not require permits, but please visit our webpage about fences to learn more about the requirements.

8. Do retaining walls require a building permit?

Retaining walls supporting over 4 feet of earth do require a building permit. Please visit our webpage about retaining walls to learn more about the requirements.

9. How do I know if I need a permit?

Development Services works to safeguard public health, safety, and property through the plan check, permit, and inspection processes. To find out if a permit is needed for your building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical project, go to the Building Codes page or contact us at 931-560-1560

10. How do I know if my permit is still valid?

A permit is valid as long as work towards completion is continuing. Permits shall expire when the City’s Building Official determines the work authorized by any permit has been suspended, discontinued or abandoned for a continuous period of 180 days.

11. Can I check the status of my permit?

Yes, permit statuses are displayed and updated on our Online Permitting System. You will be notified by email if the status of the permit changes.

12. Where can I locate my property lines?

Your property lines may have pins from when the property was last surveyed. These pins can be located with a metal detector and are usually capped with a bright plastic cap identifying the surveyor. The lines located on our mapping software are not accurate for determining property boundaries and should only be used as a reference.

13. Who approves building modifications if I live in a Historic District?

The City has five historic districts that have specific guidelines and processes which can be found on the Historic Zoning Commission webpage. The Historic Zoning Commission (HZC) reviews any exterior modifications or replacement of components to a structure. In certain instances, city staff has the authority to review maintenance related work and issue a Certificate of Appropriateness on the HZC's behalf.

14. Who maintains the stormwater ditches?

Day to day maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. Repair or maintenance activities that require special or heavy equipment are typically handled by Public Works.

15. Where can I obtain copies of building permits for my property?

The building permit may be downloaded from our Online Permitting System

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Fire

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1. Can I get my blood pressure checked at the Fire Department?

Yes, all personnel with Columbia Fire & Rescue can check your blood pressure for you.

2. Can I burn leaves in my yard?

No, city ordinance prohibits outside burning leaves within the city limits.

3. How do I obtain a burn permit for inside the City limits of Columbia?

You may contact the Administrative Office at 931-560-1700 or stop by your nearest fire station between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm to obtain a permit. There is no charge to obtain a burn permit.

4. How do I obtain a burn permit if I live outside the City limits of Columbia?

You need to contact the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry for a Debris Burn Permit Application. Call 877-350-2876 or visit the website.

5. How do I get a fire truck at my event?

To schedule a fire truck for a special event, contact Columbia Fire & Rescue’s Public Education office at 931-560-1734.

6. How do I obtain a copy of a fire report and is there a cost?

You may contact the Administrative Office at 931-560-1700 to request a copy of the report. Office hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. You will need the following to obtain a fire report:

• Address of incident
• Date of incident
• Valid photo ID

There is no fee for copying reports, unless they are 10 pages or more. 

7. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detectors?

We recommend you change the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months. An easy way to remember is to change batteries when you reset your clock for daylight savings time.

8. Is there a charge for a burn permit?

No, there is no charge to get a burn permit.

9. Who do I contact to arrange a fire safety presentation?

Contact Columbia Fire & Rescue’s Public Education office at 931-560-1734.

10. Who do I contact to arrange a visit to one of your fire stations?

To schedule a tour of a fire station, contact Columbia Fire & Rescue’s Public Education office at 931-560-1734.

11. What happens if I burn without a permit inside the City limits?

Per Ordinance Number 3402 you will receive a bill from the City of Columbia at a rate of $45 per hour (1 hour minimum) per apparatus, $15 per hour (1 hour minimum) per person that was on the call and any materials used at cost.

12. What is an ISO rating?

The Insurance Service Office (ISO) conducts independent evaluations on fire departments throughout the United States. This evaluation reviews how the fire department receives and dispatches its fire alarms, where the department’s fire stations are located throughout the city, what equipment is carried on the department’s fire apparatus, the training received by the city’s fire personnel and the availability of water supply to conduct fire operations. Based on this grade, a public protection classification is determined for the city. These classifications range from 1 to 10. Class 1 denotes exemplary public protection and Class 10 denotes not meeting ISO minimum criteria. These classifications are used to establish appropriate insurance premiums for the city. Columbia Fire & Rescue is currently an ISO Class 1 Department.

13. How do I obtain a patch or T-shirt from Columbia Fire & Rescue?

To receive a fire department patch, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Columbia Fire & Rescue
1000 S Garden Street
Columbia, TN 38401

Attn: Patch Request

Columbia Fire & Rescue does not give away or sell department t-shirts.

14. What other responsibilities do firefighters have other than fighting fires?

Emergency calls represent only a small percentage of the work of a typical fire department. The number of residential and commercial fires has steadily decreased over the years due to a variety of factors including improvements in construction, a greater public awareness of the risk factors leading to fires and a significant reduction in smoking nationwide. Fires, however, are only some of the emergencies to which the Fire Department responds. Nearly 80% of the Fire Department’s emergency responses are, in fact, calls for medical aid, including illness/accidents at home and work, and injuries resulting from vehicle crashes. Other calls for emergency response involve hazardous materials releases, technical rescues, response to fire alarms and other calls for public assistance. Firefighters also spend much of their time maintaining equipment, doing routine public safety inspections for businesses and rental housing, training for all types of emergency responses and filling out the reports and paperwork associated with these activities.

15. Why do we see fire department crews at the store?

Fire personnel with Columbia Fire & Rescue work a 24-hour shift with no scheduled breaks and meals are not provided by the City. They must eat their lunch and dinner at the station. At times firefighters all eat the same meal, as a group. The crews pay for their food out of their own pockets. So, after the equipment is checked and the housework completed, one of the fire trucks will then make a quick trip to the grocery store to purchase food for the shift. All crews remain in service to respond to calls during this time.

Fire personnel do not have to be sitting in the fire station to be dispatched to a call. All units maintain constant radio contact with Fire Communications and the crew must always be together with their apparatus. Firefighters are always ready to respond to an emergency, regardless of their current location.

16. Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents, sometimes more lanes than necessary?

Columbia Fire & Rescue uses fire apparatus to block traffic lanes for the safety of emergency workers and patients. Blocking extra lanes keep our personnel safe when they go back to our apparatus to get more equipment and help protect the victim we are trying to stabilize. Over 25 firefighters are killed or injured each year while working at incidents on streets and highways.

17. Why do you send a fire truck to a medical emergency?

• Fire engines usually arrive first on scene and stop the emergency response clock.
• Columbia Fire & Rescue’s engines are staffed and equipped to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) care when they arrive.
• The amount and size of equipment needed on emergency calls has continued to grow over the years.

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Management Information Systems

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1. Are Columbia City Council meetings available to the public on the internet?

Yes, the Columbia City Council meetings are live-streamed and recorded. There is a link on the homepage of this website to access live-streamed meetings.  The meetings are also televised live on CPWS PowerNet channel 13.  The recordings are posted to the City’s YouTube channel for convenient access by the public. Access past City Council Meetings through this link.

2. Does the City of Columbia provide free Wi-Fi at any of its locations?

Yes, at the following facilities:

•      Fairview Recreation Center
•      Macedonia Recreation Center
•      Rainey House at Woodland Park
•      Ridley Sports Complex
•      Visit Columbia Welcome Center

3. What does the City do with its surplus computer equipment?

Per the Finance Department, the City of Columbia makes available for sale to the general public surplus City property. The availability and type of items being sold changes frequently. 

Personal surplus property is sold online using the online auction site, GovDeals.Com.

You must register online with GovDeals.com in order to participate in the auctions. Registration is free.     

• All items are sold as is and without warranty. 
• In most cases, the City is unable to ship items purchased but may be able to assist buyers with other local shipping resources.
• The City does accept most major debit and credit cards. There will be a small convenience fee added on card transactions.

4. Who is responsible for the content of the City web site www.ColumbiaTN.com?

The City’s Tourism and Marketing staff are responsible for the overall content of the web site, with each department contributing directly to their respective department pages.  The MIS Department assists with technical issues.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Are there fitness classes I can sign up for?

City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department offers FREE classes to members of the Armory Fitness Center. For non-members, the cost is $3.00 per class. Watch for upcoming fitness classes by following us on Facebook!

2. Can alcoholic beverages be brought to or consumed in the parks, shelters, or centers?

No, alcohol is not allowed in any of the City parks, shelters, or centers.

3. Can the disc golf course at Woodland Park be reserved?

There are no reservations allowed. The disc golf course is free for everyone on a first-come, first-served basis.

4. How do I reserve a park shelter, field, or center?

Reservations for all of our amenities can be done online! You can see the costs, dates, and timeslots available for any shelter or center by going to Park Pass and browsing what we have to offer!

5. How much is a membership at the Armory Fitness Center?

You can see the prices of the memberships at the Fitness Center by going to Park Pass and looking under the “Fitness Center & Membership Classes” tab.

NOTE: Must be at least 18 years old to enter the Fitness Center of 16 years old with a guardian.

6. Is there a public pool in Columbia?

The City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department has an outdoor pool at Fairview Park that is open during the summer. It is monitored by a lifeguard.

7. Is there RV parking available at Ridley Sports Complex?

No there is no RV parking available at Ridley Sports Complex. Here is the website link to Camper's RV Park nearby, located at 1792 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401.

8. What time are the Rec Centers open?

Each recreation center has its own schedule. Please check the Recreation Centers page of our website for hours and services available.

9. What time do City parks open?

Parks open at 7am and remain open until dusk.

10. What are the hours for the splash pad at Riverwalk Park?

The splash pad is on from 9am until dusk.

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Personnel

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1. I don't have a computer, how can I apply for a job?

You can visit us during normal business hours at the Human Resources Office. We’re located on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 700 N Garden St, Columbia, TN 38401. You can also apply from your smartphone or visit the Public Library.

2. Can I get help with completing the online application?

For assistance with your employment application, call Human Resources at 931-560-1570 or visit us on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 700 N Garden St, Columbia, TN 38401.

3. How do I find out what jobs are available?

Visit our careers page at the link below.

City of Columbia - Careers

4. An email address is required, what if I don't have an e-mail address?

You can sign up for a free email account with Google, Yahoo, Outlook, etc. You must have an email address as most of our communications will come to you via email.

5. What if I'm interested in a position that is not currently listed?

Applications are accepted only during the time of a posted vacancy. Check back regularly on our careers page at the link below to view current vacancies.

 City of Columbia Careers

6. Who will see my application if I submit it on your website?

Your application will be visible to the Human Resources Department and the hiring authority of the department to which you apply.

7. Can I apply for more than one job at a time?

Yes. You can apply for all positions of interest to you.

8. I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?

Applications are accepted only during the time of a posted vacancy. If you miss the deadline to apply, check back regularly for new opportunities.

9. Can I apply and send my resume via email?

In order to be considered for a vacancy, you must submit your application through our careers page. 

City of Columbia Careers

10. Do I have to fill out an application?

Yes, to be considered for an open position, you must submit an application through our careers page.

City of Columbia Careers

11. Will I automatically be considered for other positions once I have submitted my application?

No. You must submit an application for each position for which you want to be considered.

12. How will I know that the City has successfully received my online application?

Upon completion of your application, you will receive an email notifying you that your application has been submitted for consideration.

13. How can I add additional employment or education entries?

Clicking the "+ Add Work History" or "+ Add Education" button(s) in the application will provide you with additional fields to include employment and education information.

14. How do I change my address, phone, or email information?

To change your contact information after your application has been submitted, contact the Human Resources Office at 931-560-1570.

15. Is this a secure site?

Yes. Your information is safe and will only be available to those participating in the hiring process.

16. What do you mean by closing date?

The closing date is the last day that the position will be available to accept applications.

17. What do you mean by open until filled?

"Open until filled" indicates that we are accepting applications on a consistent basis until all spots for the role are no longer vacant.

18. What is the selection process?

The selection process normally includes the following:

• A review of your application/resume. Those that do not meet the minimum qualifications for the position, will be notified. 
• An interview with the hiring authority for the department to which you applied. 

For some positions, testing may be required to determine skill level. Interviews may also require demonstration of your knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

If selected, a background check, drug screen, and physical will be required of the candidate.

19. How do I save my application?

Unfortunately, there is no way to save your application. To be considered, you must complete and submit your application.

20. How do I submit a resume?

To submit a resume, navigate to the position for which you want to apply on our Careers Page. Click "Apply" and choose "Select Resume to Upload". You must then complete and submit the application. We won't receive your resume unless an application is submitted.

21. How much employment history should I include in my application?

Please include information for your last two to five positions and any other relevant experience that you’d like to be considered.

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Public Works

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1. What day of the week is my trash collected?

Please check out the Sanitation Garbage Day & A-B Route Collection Street List (PDF). Please call us at (931) 388-8650 with any questions.

2. How do I sign up for residential trash service?

Call Public Works Department at (931) 388-8650.

3. When will trash be collected during the holidays?

Click here for the Holiday Collection Schedule (PDF), or call Public Works at (931) 388-8650.

4. I need more than one trashcan. How can I get an additional trashcan?

The City of Columbia provides ONE (1) free trash container for each residence within the city limits of Columbia. Residents may purchase up to TWO (2) additional trashcans at a cost of $60.00 per container. Please call Public Works at (931) 388-8650 to inquire about purchasing an additional trash container.

5. What are the residential trash regulations?

Household trash is collected on a weekly basis; recycling is collected bi-weekly.

• Trash and recycling carts at the street by 5:00am on your scheduled pickup day.
• Serial numbers on carts must face the street.
• Leave 4 feet of clearance around your carts and between your carts.
• All trash must be bagged and inside the trashcan. We will not collect trash outside the trashcan.
• Do not bag recycling.
• Any misuse of recycling cart will result in immediate and permanent confiscation.
• Call Public Works at (931) 388-8650 if you have any additional questions.

6. What are the do’s and don’ts of recycling?

Please click here for a list of Acceptable Recycling Materials (PDF), or email Tara Thompson with any questions.

7. My garbage and/or recycling receptacle went missing or is damaged. What do I do?

Please call Public Works at (931) 388-8650.

8. I am unable to pull my trash receptacle to the street due to mobility restrictions. What do I do?

Please call Public Works at (931) 388-8650 to inquire about our Special Needs Trash Collection program.

9. What is the fee for trash collection?

• Residential sanitation is $17/month, and will be charged to your Columbia Power & Water bill.
• Commercial collection is by agreement, and the fee is based on the number of scheduled pick-ups at the business. Please call Public Works at (931) 388-8650 to set up sanitation service.

10. I am on a fixed income and cannot afford the residential sanitation fee. What do I do?

Please call the City Recorder at (931) 560-1520 for more information, or apply online for the Garbage Fee Exemption. 

11. How do I dispose of televisions, appliances, and other electrical items?

Please call Maury County Solid Waste at (931) 375-6401.

12. How do I dispose of tires, paint, and other hazardous items?

Please call Maury County Solid Waste at (931) 375-6401.

13. Where are the Maury County Convenience Centers located?

Please click here for a list of all Maury County Convenience Centers (PDF).

14. When is the 2023 Household Hazardous Waste Day for Maury County?

• The Maury County Household Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 8:00am to 1:00pm at Maury County Solid Waste, 1233 Lawson White Drive, Columbia, TN 38401.
• Please click here to see the list of Household Hazardous Waste Acceptable & Unacceptable Items.

15. Where can I recycle glass?

The Maury County Convenience Centers (PDF) will accept the following recyclable items:

1. Colored Glass (must be clean)
2. Clear Glass (must be clean)
3. Cardboard (must be clean & broken down)
4. Newspaper/White Paper (including shredded paper – must be clean)
5. Metal (metal/tin cans – must be clean, copper wire, etc.)
6. Aluminum (cans/foil/etc. – must be clean)
7. Plastic (only #1 & #2 – must be clean)

Maury County Convenience Centers (PDF) are open Monday through Saturday from 7:30am to 5:00pm, closed for holidays. Please click on the highlighted link for locations and phone numbers.

16. What are the brush collection guidelines?

• Brush cannot be mixed with other material, such as household trash, furniture, or construction material.
• Brush or trees must be cut in lengths of 4 feet or less, and no wider than 3 feet in diameter. Tree stumps must be cut to these lengths or mulched.
• Leaves, grass clippings, and mulch must be bagged.
• Place brush at the curb by 5:00am on your scheduled pickup day.
• Special arrangements must be made for extra loads of brush.
• Special pickups and oversized pickups are available at $100 per pickup.

17. What is bulk collection?

• Bulk collection is the collection of items that are too large to fit inside the trash receptacle. Items include furniture, mattresses/box springs, and boxes.
• Items for bulk collection must be scheduled. Call Public Works at (931) 388-8650 to schedule a bulk pickup.

18. How many bulk pickups do I get per year?

• Residents are allotted three free bulk pickups per year.
• After the allotted quota is met, there will be a $100 charge per pickup during that calendar year plus landfill tipping fees.
• Special pickups and oversized pickups are available at $100 per pickup plus landfill tipping fees.

19. What is not collected with bulk pickup?

• Demolition debris (rocks, dirt, tree stumps, wall board or plaster, bricks, building scraps, etc.)
• Electronic items (televisions, computers, etc.)
• Tires
• Glass/Mirrors
• Refrigerant items (refrigerators, air conditioners, or anything charged with Freon or other gases)

20. I need to dig in my yard. Who do I call?

• Always Call 811 Before You Dig!
• It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s the law!
• Call 811, or (800) 351-1111.

21. How do I report potholes?

Please call Public Works at (931) 388-8650.

22. How do I report drainage issues?

Please call Public Works at (931) 388-8650.

23. How do I report a malfunctioning traffic signal?

Please call Public Works at (931) 388-8650 between 7:00am - 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.

If after hours, please call Dispatch at (931) 388-2727.

24. How do I report a damaged street sign?

Please call Public Works at (931) 388-8650 between 7:00am - 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.

If after hours, please call Dispatch at (931) 388-2727.

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Tourism

Show All Answers

1. How do I order a free Visitor Guide to help plan my trip?

Please share your mailing information with us on the Visitor Guide Request Form and we will mail a free guide to you! You can also access the online guide on the same page.

2. How do I become a vendor at First Fridays?

First Fridays is an organic event organized by the community so participating is free. No streets are closed down for the event. In order to be a vendor, simply ask permission from the business owner if you can set up a booth in front of their building or on their property. It is not permitted to block the sidewalks completely or set-up in the parking spaces or the street in any way.

3. Where can I find a list of events happening in and around Columbia?

Go to the Events tab on Visit Columbia's webpage to stay informed on happenings in Columbia! Or check out the Facebook page @visitcolumbiatn for a complete list.

4. How do I submit a community event for VisitColumbiaTn.com?

Visit Submit an Event and fill out the needed information. The event will then be reviewed and added to the webpage! 

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Wastewater

Show All Answers

1. What are the sewer rates and/or how is my sewer bill calculated?

View the Sewer Service Charges (PDF) for a detailed breakdown of sewer rates.

2. My residence is on a septic system and I am being charged for sewer. Why?

When public sewer becomes available to property, a connection to the sewer is required. The property owner is responsible for making application and acquiring proper permits to connect to public sewer. The property owner is also responsible for the cost and installation of the private sewer service line. (The portion of line between the house and the public sewer is the private sewer service line.) 

Inspection, installation, and connection fees may be applicable at the time of permit issuance.

3. Can I connect to public sewer?

Customers will need to provide information regarding the property address and owner’s name. Our personnel will determine if sewer is available to the property. If sewer is available, permit fees will be calculated and a permit can be issued for the connection. 

For more information, contact the Wastewater Department.

4. Can you locate and mark the sewer lines on my property?

We will locate and mark main public sewer lines only. Private service lines (the portion of sewer line between the structure and the public sewer main) will not be located or marked by Wastewater personnel. Information on the location of private service lines is not on file at our office. You may want to contact a plumber for assistance in locating the private service lines on your property.

 Please contact the Wastewater Department with details of the work being done or the affected area.

5. My sewer line is leaking or needs to be repaired. What is required?

Contact the Wastewater Department to obtain a sewer repair permit. The repair or installation of a new line is the responsibility of the property owner and must be installed according to code requirements. An inspection is required prior to covering the new or repaired line. Owners hiring plumbers to correct such problems must insure the proper permits have been obtained prior to beginning any line repairs or replacements.

6. I am having sewer problems. What do I need to do?

Call the Wastewater Department at 931-560-1001. At the menu prompt, select the option for Sewer Emergencies.

Maintenance personnel are available 24 hours a day. Your call will be forwarded to a voicemail box where you will be asked to provide information about your sewer problem. Please include your name, address, phone number and brief details about the problem. The phone system will automatically contact the person on call and they will be provided with your recorded information. We will check the main sewer at no charge to the resident. Our maintenance crews will correct any problems with the main sewer. If the main sewer is working properly and a sewer problem is still present, the property owner may be advised to contact a plumber at his/her own expense.

7. What does FOG stand for?

FOG stands for fats, oils, and grease. These substances create a huge problem for your sewer pipes. 

Visit the FOG Program page to learn more.