A decision: Neighborhoods must ask for building restrictions

Columbia residents, you’ve got a new tool to help control how your neighborhood develops.

On Wednesday, Columbia City Council created an “opt in” plan for neighborhoods that want additional restrictions on new home construction, the subdivision of lots and home demolition.

Neighborhoods that don’t want to abide by the new restrictions, they don’t have to opt in and therefore, won’t have to follow the new rules.

Two city neighborhoods are already in the new program. All other neighborhoods will need to take additional steps to join.

Here’s how it will work:

What are the new rules?

Last month, City Council signed off on several new rules intended to help neighborhoods have more control over development. Those rules are:

• Homes 50 years or older cannot be demolished without approval from the city’s Design Development Review Commission. Decisions made by the commission can be appealed to City Council. Any home being considered for demolition will have a sign posted in its yard at least 15 days before a demolition decision is made.

• When a lot is being subdivided, its side yard setbacks must be similar to those of nearby homes and can never be less than 5 feet.

• “McMansions,” homes that don’t look like surrounding homes because they’re much taller or much larger, are prohibited. New height limits ensure that no McMansions can be built.

Which neighborhoods have to abide by the new rules?

That’s been a tough decision for City Council.

Some neighborhoods want the new restrictions. They feel the restrictions will help preserve the look and character of their neighborhoods.

But other neighborhoods don’t want the restrictions. They welcome in-fill development and the destruction of rundown homes.

Wednesday, council solved the issue and voted that the neighborhoods of Cottontown and Wales Garden will automatically be covered by the new rules.

But the neighborhoods of Heathwood, Hollywood-Rose Hill and Shandon — as well as all other city neighborhoods — must go through a process to be covered by the new rules.

What’s the process?

A neighborhood association must hold a meeting and vote on whether neighbors want to apply for the city’s new “community character protection.” If a majority of people at the meeting vote in favor, the association must submit a letter to the city by Nov. 21, describing the meeting and vote.

Then, on Jan. 16, City Council will vote to apply the new rules to the neighborhoods.

The rules will be in effect for two years.

If you don’t have a neighborhood association, you can still opt in. Contact the city to find out the details.

What if my neighborhood can’t hold a meeting and get the documents to the city by Nov. 21?

You can opt in at a later date. Just submit the documents when you can and the city will consider the request.

Why do Cottontown and Wales Garden get to opt in automatically?

These two neighborhoods have already requested the designation. Shandon, Heathwood and Hollywood-Rose Hill have requested the designation too but need to take a few additional steps so the city knows for sure that the majority of neighbors want the designation.

Where can I get more information?

Contact the city’s zoning department at (803) 545-3333.

— Gina Smith