Columbia Traffic Calming & Speed Bump Ordinance

Residents and neighborhood groups in Columbia, South Carolina often request traffic calming measures such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, or curb extensions to improve safety and reduce speeding. The city evaluates requests through its Traffic Engineering division and a formal request process described on the municipal traffic-calming page City of Columbia Traffic Calming^[1]. This guide explains typical steps, enforcement considerations, how to apply, and who to contact so you can prepare a complete request.

How the request process typically works

The City evaluates requests based on data such as traffic counts, vehicle speeds, crash history, roadway classification, and neighborhood support. Neighborhood petitions and a site assessment are common parts of the evaluation. Implementations on city streets follow engineering standards and may require easements or coordination with utilities.

Penalties & Enforcement

Columbia enforces street and right-of-way rules through its Public Works and Traffic Engineering functions; unauthorized installation of devices in the public right-of-way is prohibited and may be removed by the city. Specific fines, escalation, and statutory penalties for unauthorized alterations or obstruction of a public street are not specified on the cited page; see the official resource for current enforcement policy and contact details^[1].

• Enforcer: City of Columbia Public Works / Traffic Engineering is the primary enforcer and reviewer for traffic-calming installations.
• Fines: Not specified on the cited page; the official page should be consulted for any monetary penalties or removal costs.
• Escalation: First, the city issues a notice and may require removal; repeat or continuing offences procedures are not specified on the cited page.
• Inspection & complaints: Complaints and requests are routed to Traffic Engineering for site review and data collection.
• Appeals/review: The cited page does not list formal appeal timelines; contact the Traffic Engineering office or City Clerk for appeal and hearing procedures.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a Traffic Calming request and evaluation process on its Traffic Engineering page; the presence, name, fee, or filing deadline for a specific application form is not specified on that page. To obtain any official form or instructions, contact Public Works/Traffic Engineering via the city page.^[1]

How-To

1. Document the problem: collect photographs, location details, approximate speeds, and crash dates if applicable.
2. Consult the city page: review the Traffic Calming program guidance and download any available request form.
3. Gather neighborhood support: obtain signatures or documented support per the program guidance.
4. Submit the request to Traffic Engineering by the method described on the official page.
5. Site evaluation: Traffic Engineering conducts traffic counts, speed studies, and a safety evaluation.
6. If approved, the city schedules design and installation according to engineering standards and available funding.

FAQ

Who reviews a traffic calming request?

The City of Columbia Traffic Engineering division reviews requests, conducts studies, and recommends actions.

Can residents install their own speed bumps?

No. Private installation in the public right-of-way is not permitted; unauthorized devices may be removed and penalties may apply as enforced by the city.

How long does the evaluation take?

Timelines vary by workload and funding; the city page describes the typical process but does not list fixed completion times.

Key Takeaways

• Follow the official Traffic Calming request process; do not modify public streets yourself.
• Collect data and neighborhood support before applying to improve chances of approval.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Columbia Public Works
• Traffic Engineering - City of Columbia
• City of Columbia Code of Ordinances

1. [1] City of Columbia Traffic Calming