Columbia External alarm noise ordinance (§ 13-257)
Chapter 13: Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations · Article IX. Miscellaneous Business Regulations
In short: Burglar, anti-theft and fire alarms that can be heard off your property must automatically reset and stop the noise within fifteen (15) minutes. This doesn't apply to structures in the Columbia Special Business District, industrially zoned property, water gong alarms or ATMs.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
It shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant or operator of any residence, business or structure within the city limits to install, connect or maintain any burglar alarm or anti-theft device or fire alarm in or upon any such residence, business or structure when such alarm or device produces any loud noise that is audible off the premises on which it is installed unless such alarm or device will automatically reset itself, thereby terminating such loud noise within fifteen (15) minutes. This section shall not apply to any structure within the Columbia Special Business District or any structure upon property zoned for industrial use, or to any waterflow (water gong) alarm, or to any Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 13-257
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.