Columbia ordinance aimed at shutting down house parties during COVID goes into effect
New penalties are now in effect for landlords and renters in Columbia who host large gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.
Columbia’s city council unanimously passed the second reading of an ordinance on Thursday that will amend the city’s zoning code to penalize landlords whose properties are cited for not obeying executive orders issued by the governor or any law aimed at addressing a public health concern. The new rules go into effect immediately.
The new ordinance is particularly aimed at college students returning to Columbia after months away due to COVID-19 — tens of thousands of young adults attending the University of South Carolina have moved back in over the past several weeks, many in off-campus houses or apartment complexes, raising concerns of the virus spreading throughout the community if large parties occur.
Violations of the ordinance will result in 10 “points,” a serious violation under the city’s zoning laws that comes with a $1,000 fine. Benjamin said he anticipated property owners passing on that fine to tenants. If a property owner accumulates 15 total points, their rental permit may be revoked.
“We all recognize the significant efforts being made by all, by, obviously, this council, by our business community, by a lot of students and faculty members, others, administrators at the university,” Mayor Steve Benjamin said during a council meeting. “Everyone’s doing their part. We need everyone else to step up their game and make sure we can slow down the spread of this still rapidly evolving public health threat. This is a step in the right direction.”
Also during Thursday’s meeting, councilman Daniel Rickenmann requested city Manager Teresa Wilson ask University of South Carolina officials to provide the city with a list of events planned for students now that they are back on campus for the semester.
After one week, USC has reported more than 200 cases of COVID-19 among students, including 188 active cases as of Wednesday. Officials have said they are aware of multiple off-campus gatherings that occurred last weekend, including four at the Granby Mills apartment complex that were broken up by authorities. In a town hall with students and parents on Wednesday, university President Bob Caslen warned of consequences for those who don’t follow the school’s rules and the governor’s executive order to socially distance and avoid large groups.
“If you are found in an investigation to have hosted a party, you will be suspended. And if you are found in an investigation to have broken isolation or quarantine, you will be suspended. And we’re very serious about that, and based on due process, if that’s the situation, we will take that appropriate action,” Caslen said.
This story was originally published August 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM.
