Columbia, South Carolina – Columbia is asking its residents to help shape the community by joining one of the city’s boards or commissions. These volunteer jobs give people a chance to offer their skills and views while helping to make crucial choices regarding planning, development, and preservation in their area.
You can now apply for available jobs on several city boards. Each board has a different job to do to help Columbia thrive and make sure its decisions are in line with the needs and beliefs of the community.
There is currently one available position on the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term. This board looks at requests for variances and special exceptions and hears zoning appeals under the city’s Unified Development Ordinance.
There are seven open positions on the Building Board of Appeals, each of which lasts for two years. People who are on this board hear appeals over decisions made by the building official about how to apply or understand building codes.
The Historic Preservation/Design Review Commission also has seven positions. This group makes sure that historic preservation rules are followed and looks into buildings and regions that are important to Columbia’s history. Members serve for three years and assist protect the city’s cultural and architectural history.
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The Planning Commission is in charge of long-term planning, land development, and putting the city’s Unified Development Ordinance into action. There are two open vacancies on the commission.
The Property Maintenance Board of Appeals is looking for seven new members to serve three-year terms. This board looks at appeals of code enforcement decisions and violations of the International Property Maintenance Code, as well as problems with rental and nuisance laws.
Lastly, the Urban Design Review Commission has five seats open for three-year terms. The commission is in charge of setting standards for urban design, beautification initiatives, and upgrades to the city’s infrastructure.
Residents living within Columbia’s city limits are encouraged to apply for any of these positions. Applications must be submitted no later than November 14, 2025, through the official city website at https://boards.columbiasc.gov/.
Serving on a city board or commission offers residents a direct role in shaping Columbia’s future and ensuring that growth and development continue in a thoughtful and community-driven way.
