West Columbia, SC

Regular Council

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

Council Work Session

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

Regular Council

Council Work Session

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

Regular Council

Council Work Session

Planning Commission

The West Columbia Planning Commission meets September 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM at 200 N. 12th Street to hold public hearings on four zoning requests and consider adding two lots to a previously approved subdivision plat. The largest item is a request to rezone about 80.59 acres on Ontario Drive, Mohawk Drive and Botanical Parkway from R-4 Residential to RDFZ (Redevelopment Floating Zone). The agenda also lists a special called meeting on October 6, 2026 and the next regular meeting on October 26, 2026. The attached draft minutes from August 24, 2026 show the 1306 D Ave infill overlay item was carried over to this meeting after no action was taken due to improper notification.

• PC 26-13: Rezone +/- 80.59 acres on Ontario Drive, Mohawk Drive and Botanical Parkway from R-4 to RDFZ (TMS #'s 004672-01-001, 004672-01-002, 004672-01-018)
• PC 26-11: Establish Infill Overlay District on +/- 0.3 acres at 1306 D Ave (TMS# 004630-13-013), zoned C-3 Restricted Commercial
• PC 26-14: Establish LM (Light Manufacturing) zoning on +/- 3.22 acres at 184 Lott Court (TMS #004596-01-021)
• PC 26-15: Establish C-3 (Restricted Commercial) zoning on +/- 1.21 acres at 521-523 Taylor Street, Lot Next to Taylor Street, and 529 Taylor Street
• New business: request to add two lots to the previously approved preliminary plat for Prossimita subdivision (formerly Henbet Drive Residential Subdivision) on Henbet Drive

Council Work Session

Special Council

The West Columbia City Council is holding a special meeting to consider second readings of two zoning items: adding a definition for short-term rentals and permitting them in R-1, R-2, C-1, C-2, and C-3 districts, and establishing C-2 General Commercial zoning for a 0.28-acre parcel at 2858 Sunset Boulevard. The council will also consider a resolution adopting the updated Central Midlands Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is required for future grant funding of mitigation projects.

• Second reading: text amendment to define and permit short-term rentals in R-1, R-2, C-1, C-2, C-3 zoning districts
• Second reading: establish C-2 General Commercial zoning for 0.28 acres at 2858 Sunset Boulevard (parcel 004597-09-040)
• Resolution adopting the updated Central Midlands Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Plan adoption is a condition for future grant funding of mitigation projects

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for September 15, 2026, is cancelled. The next meeting is set for October 20, 2026. No agenda items are listed for this date.

• Meeting cancelled for September 15, 2026
• Next meeting scheduled for October 20, 2026

Hearing Pursuant to West Columbia Code of Ordinances §7-1-17 Regarding Business License Number 010975

Regular Council

The City Council will consider a second reading of rental housing regulations and a first reading to define and permit short-term rentals in specific zones. The meeting also includes a presentation from Riverbanks Zoo regarding a redevelopment floating zone request.

• Second reading of amendments to Rental Housing Regulations
• First reading of text amendment to define and permit 'Short Term Rentals' in R-1, R-2, C-1, C-2, and C-3 zones
• First reading of C-2 General Commercial zoning for 0.28 acres at 2858 Sunset Boulevard
• Resolution to adopt a redevelopment plan for Mohawk Drive and Ontario Avenue
• Resolution authorizing lease-purchase financing not to exceed $1,090,000.00

Regular Council

The West Columbia City Council will hold its regular meeting on September 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes first readings on amending rental housing regulations and adding a definition for short-term rentals in multiple zoning districts. The council will also consider a lease-purchase financing resolution for up to $1,090,000 and a redevelopment plan for Mohawk Drive and Ontario Avenue.

• First reading on short-term rental definition and permitted use in R-1, R-2, C-1, C-2, and C-3 zoning districts
• Second reading consideration to amend City of West Columbia Code of Ordinances Title 5, Chapter 2, Article K: Rental Housing Regulations
• Consideration of a redevelopment plan for Mohawk Drive and Ontario Avenue
• Consideration of a lease-purchase financing resolution authorizing up to $1,090,000
• Presentation from Riverbanks Zoo on Redevelopment Floating Zone Request (RDFZ)

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation reviewed its July 31 financial report of $200,368.57. Members discussed plans for a 300-ticket raffle in October and provided an update on the Highway 1 Median Beautification Project.

• Monthly financial report as of July 31, 2026, totaling $200,368.57
• Highway 1 Median Beautification Project awaiting SCDOT traffic control plan approval
• 2026 Raffle fundraiser capped at 300 tickets with an event date of October 22, 2026
• Bridge Dinner event scheduled for October 25, 2026

Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Amendments to the West Columbia Code of Ordinances Title 5, Chapter 2, Article K: Rental Housing Regulations

The City of West Columbia is holding a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the rental housing regulations in the city code. The discussion includes regulations pertaining to short-term rentals.

• Public hearing regarding amendments to Title 5, Chapter 2, Article K: Rental Housing Regulations
• Discussion of regulations pertaining to short-term rentals

Planning Commission

The West Columbia Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider two zoning requests: establishing an Infill Overlay District on a 0.3-acre parcel at 1306 D Avenue (currently zoned C-3) and rezoning a 0.28-acre parcel at 2858 Sunset Boulevard to C-2 General Commercial. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from June 22, 2026, and an annual education requirements item.

• Public hearing and consideration of Infill Overlay District for 1306 D Avenue (0.3 acres, TMS 004630-13-013)
• Public hearing and consideration of C-2 General Commercial zoning for 2858 Sunset Boulevard (0.28 acres, TMS 004597-09-040)
• Approval of minutes from June 22, 2026 meeting
• Annual education requirements discussion

Zoning Board of Appeals

The West Columbia Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special exception request (ZBA 26-13) for a painting contractor business at 1646 Grover Street, zoned General Commercial (C-2). The board will also review minutes from the May 19, 2026 meeting and discuss annual education requirements. The meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

• Special exception request for painting contractor (NAICS 238320) at 1646 Grover Street (TMS 005745-01-003)
• Staff recommends condition: all work and storage conducted indoors
• Approval of minutes from May 19, 2026
• Review of annual education requirements

Council Work Session

Special Council

The City Council will consider several second reading ordinances regarding property and utility agreements. These items include the transfer of B Avenue Ball Park and multiple land annexations.

• Second reading of ordinance to convey B Avenue Ball Park to Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission
• Second reading of ordinance for a nonexclusive franchise agreement with PBT Communications Inc., d/b/a Comporium
• Second reading of ordinance to annex 3.22 acres at 184 Lott Court (TMS# 004596-01-021)
• Second reading of ordinance to annex 1.21 acres at 521-523 1/2 and 529 Taylor Street (TMS# 005747-04-012, 005747-04-021, and 005747-04-011)

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation will meet to receive progress reports on its monthly finances, the Highway 1 median beautification project, and updates on the 2026 raffle. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Monthly financial report as of March 31, 2026: $184,414.71
• Highway 1 median beautification project went out to bid April 16, 2026; bids due May 18, 2026
• 2026 raffle discussed with focus on expanding participation and auction items
• Taste of the River 2026 event update: 81 tickets sold, 69 remaining; capped at 150 tickets

Regular Council

The West Columbia City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 4, 2026, to consider first readings of ordinances authorizing the conveyance of B Avenue Ball Park to the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission and a nonexclusive franchise agreement with PBT Communications Inc. The meeting also includes annexations, a Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan, and recognition of community contributions.

• First reading of ordinance to convey B Avenue Ball Park (815 B Avenue) to Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission
• First reading of ordinance for nonexclusive franchise agreement with PBT Communications Inc., d/b/a Comporium
• Annexation of 3.22 acres at 184 Lott Court
• Annexation of 1.21 acres at 521-523 1/2 and 529 Taylor Street
• Adoption of Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan with goal to eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries

Planning Commission

This agenda announces that the West Columbia Planning Commission meeting scheduled for July 27, 2026, is cancelled. No business will be conducted.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The agenda notes that there will be no Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Contact the City Clerk’s office at (803) 939-8608 or [email protected] for special accommodations.

Special Council

The West Columbia City Council will consider several items, including a second‑reading of an ordinance for a non‑exclusive franchise with MCIMetro Access Transmission Services, LLC, and an amendment to prohibit commercial and industrial trucks on designated streets. The council will also vote on ratifying the Urban Entitlement Resolution and renewing the intergovernmental cooperative agreement with Lexington County to continue receiving HUD Community Development Block Grant, HOME, and Emergency Solutions Grant funds for fiscal years 2027‑2029. An executive‑session discussion will address a personnel matter concerning the City Administrator’s routine annual performance evaluation.

• Second‑reading consideration of an ordinance for a non‑exclusive franchise agreement with MCIMetro Access Transmission Services, LLC
• Second‑reading consideration of an ordinance amending Code §8‑2‑10 to prohibit commercial/industrial trucks on certain streets
• Ratification of the Urban Entitlement Resolution and renewal of the intergovernmental cooperative agreement with Lexington County for HUD grant administration (FY 2027‑2029)
• Executive‑session discussion of a personnel matter related to the City Administrator’s annual performance evaluation

Regular Council

The West Columbia City Council will review a franchise agreement with MCIMetro and a proposed truck route restriction ordinance. Council members will also approve a sidewalk funding agreement with SCDOT and award two major infrastructure contracts. An executive session will address economic development matters for the Meeting Street corridor.

• Award $4,488,212.50 contract to AOS Specialty Contractors for Meeting Street Improvement Project
• Award $2,216,646.00 contract to Solid Structures for Utility Services Maintenance Building
• Approve financial agreement with SCDOT for sidewalk on Double Branch Rd.
• First reading of ordinance restricting commercial trucks on designated streets
• First reading of nonexclusive franchise agreement with MCIMetro Access Transmission Services

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation will not hold its scheduled meeting on July 7, 2026. The next regular meeting is August 4, 2026. No business will be conducted.

Planning Commission

The West Columbia Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a text amendment that defines short-term rental units and allows them as a permitted use in various residential and commercial zoning districts.

• Public hearing on short-term rental unit text amendment
• Definition of short-term rental unit (less than 30 consecutive days)
• Permitted use in R-1, R-2, C-1, C-2, and C-3 zoning districts
• Clarification for Gateway Overlay District (GOLD)
• Approval of previous meeting minutes from May 26, 2026

Special Council

The West Columbia City Council will hold second readings on the FY2026 municipal budget and a city code supplement. Staff recommends approving a rezoning for a lot at 2254 Leaphart Road to allow general commercial use, matching surrounding districts and existing business operations. The council will also select a vendor for water treatment plant chemicals and may take action following an executive session on PFAS litigation.

• Second reading of the FY2026 municipal budget ordinance authorizing tax levies
• Rezoning 2254 Leaphart Rd from R-1 residential to C-2 general commercial
• Approval of chemical supply bids for Lake Murray and Riverside Water Treatment Plants
• Second reading of an ordinance adopting a supplement to the City Code of Ordinances
• Executive session regarding legal advice on a PFAS class action lawsuit

Public Hearing

The city council is holding a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed General Fund and Enterprise Fund budgets for fiscal year 2026-2027. No other items are on the agenda.

• Public hearing on General Fund & Enterprise Fund budgets for FY 2026-2027

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation will vote on approving previous meeting minutes, discuss and potentially award a contract for the Highway 1 median beautification project (bids due May 18), and receive a monthly financial report. They will also discuss the upcoming Taste of the River 2026 event.

• Approval of minutes from May 5, 2026 meeting
• Monthly Financial Report showing balance of $184,414.71
• Discussion and possible award of Highway 1 median beautification project contract (bids due May 18)
• Update on Taste of the River 2026 event with 14 confirmed restaurants
• Call for auction items for Taste of the River

Regular Council

The West Columbia City Council will hold first readings on the fiscal year 2027 budget, which authorizes tax levies and fees, and on amendments to rental housing regulations. They will also consider a rezoning of 2254 Leaphart Rd from residential to commercial, and a $179,850 contract for median landscaping on Highway 1. The meeting includes proclamations and an executive session on bulk water customers.

• First reading of FY2027 budget ordinance with tax and fee authorizations
• First reading to amend rental housing regulations (Title 5, Chapter 2, Article K)
• Rezoning request for 2254 Leaphart Rd from R-1 to C-2
• Consideration of $179,850 contract to Southern Vistas for Highway 1 median landscape improvements
• Proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Scleroderma Awareness Month

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on a map amendment to rezone a 0.21-acre parcel at 2254 Leaphart Road from Residential (R-1) to General Commercial (C-2). They will also consider final plat approvals for Phases 1 and 2 of Pinecrest Subdivision and Phases 1 and 2 of Stillwater Subdivision.

• Public hearing on rezoning 2254 Leaphart Road (0.21 acres) from R-1 to C-2
• Final plat approval for Pinecrest Subdivision Phase 1 (lots 1-47)
• Final plat approval for Pinecrest Subdivision Phase 2
• Final plat approval for Stillwater Subdivision Phase 1
• Final plat approval for Stillwater Subdivision Phase 2

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special exception request (ZBA 26-12) to allow hospital use on two parcels at Sunset Boulevard, zoned General Commercial. They will also vote on approving the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Special exception request ZBA 26-12 for hospital use at TMS 004596-08-001 and 004527-04-005 on Sunset Boulevard

Special Council

The council will receive presentations on the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and on revisions to rental housing regulations (Title 5, Chapter 2, Article K). They will consider awarding a $122,940 contract to 3D Dirtworks for the Riverwalk Amphitheater Improvement Project. The meeting also includes an executive session for legal advice and property negotiation related to wastewater infrastructure.

• Presentation of proposed budget for FY2026-27
• Presentation on revisions to rental housing regulations
• Consideration to approve 3D Dirtworks as lowest bidder for Riverwalk Amphitheater Improvement Project at $122,940
• Executive session for legal advice on business license tax assessments
• Executive session for contractual negotiation on wastewater property purchase

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation will hear a presentation on the Three Rivers Bridge Dinner 2026 and receive updates on monthly finances, beautification projects including the Highway 1 median project, and the Taste of the River 2026 event. No formal votes are scheduled.

• Presentation on Three Rivers Bridge Dinner 2026 by Executive Director Erin Curtis
• Monthly financial report (previous balance $184,164.97)
• Landscaping installed at 12th and Meeting St intersection
• Highway 1 median beautification project going out to bid
• Taste of the River 2026: 11 restaurants committed, auction and wine raffle discussion

Regular Council

The council will hold a second reading of an ordinance to regulate golf cart use within the city, potentially adopting new rules. They will also consider a financial agreement with SCDOT to add a sidewalk on N. Lucas Street and a resolution supporting a joint grant application for road safety. Public comment is scheduled on wastewater infrastructure issues.

• Second reading of ordinance to regulate golf carts (Section 8-2-12)
• Consider financial agreement with SCDOT for sidewalk on N. Lucas St.
• Resolution supporting 'One Lexington Zero Fatalities' initiative and grant application
• Public comment on wastewater infrastructure by Karina Helgeson
• First reading to amend Letter of Credit terms for Pinecrest Subdivision bonded plat