On July 20, 2005, Columbia City Council approved the Earlewood Design Protection Area. The Design Development review Commission (DDRC) of the City reviews new construction, additions, enclosures, demolition, as well as fences/walls for the majority of the neighborhood (Area A). In other areas of the neighborhood (Area B), DDRC reviews new construction. The City also prepared guidelines to assist owners in developing new work that is compatible with the neighborhood. General maintenance and repair, painting, interior work and work not visible from the public way are not reviewed by the DDRC.
The Earlewood Protection Area Design Guidelines and a map of the Protection Area are available.
If you see work occurring in the neighborhood and don't know whether or not it has been reviewed by the DDRC, you can contact LaToya Grate at 545-3216. Ms. Grate can look up the address and tell you whether or not the work has been approved.
If you are planning a project in Earlewood, please consult the process to ensure that your plans will be approved.
Additional information and interactive maps are available at the Columbia Planning & Development Services website.
Working On Your Home
Building Permits
The City of Columbia requires permits for construction of a new building, shed, deck, fence, driveway or additions or renovations to existing structures. Small repairs, installation or replacement of heating and air condition units or systems, plumbing and electrical fixtures, demolition or moving of any structure require permits. Contact Building Inspections at 803-545-3420 for help. Their offices are located at 1136 Washington Street, and you can find helpful brochures or talk to the staff about permits, building plan review, inspections, and zoning issues.
Call Before You Dig
Remember, it is your responsibility to contact the Palmetto Utilities Protection Service (PUPS) at least 72 hours before you plan to do any digging on your property. PUPS will notify gas, electric, water, cable, and phone utilities to have them locate their underground lines on your property.
DDRC Review
New construction, demolition, additions, enclosures, fences, walls, driveways, and parking areas are included in the DDRC review. The blue sign is issued when this type of work is going to be reviewed by the DDRC. It provides information on what type of work will be done and when the review will occur. Visit our DDRC page for more detailed information.
Zoning
The yellow sign is issued when a property owner wishes to reclassify their property for a different use. A change in the zoning of property will permanently change what type of residence, business, or industry can be built. The yellow signs indicate a public hearing will be conducted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Planning
The green sign is also issued when a property owner wishes to reclassify their property for a different use. The green signs indicate a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning Commission.
Thanks to Dan Elswick!
The Earlewood Design Protection Area is a triumph for our neighborhood, allowing future development to continue without destroying our unique historic charm. Many homeowners worked tirelessly, attending countless meetings to make this possible. Earlewood's eternal gratitude is bestowed upon Dan Elswick for shepherding the process from concept to implementation.