Columbia Classes of sewers; location and connections ordinance (§ 22-211)
Chapter 22: Public Works and Improvements · Article VI. Sewers and Sewage Disposal
In short: The city's sewer system has four classes: public, district, joint district and private. Public, district and joint district sewers must be built along streets, alleys and other public ways wherever practicable, and the city may not build or acquire one unless it is on a public way or city-owned right-of-way.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
The general sewer system shall be composed of four (4) classes of sewers, to wit: public, district, joint district, and private sewers. The determination as to the class to which any sewer belongs shall be made without regard to the area drained, the size, character or purpose thereof. All public, district and joint district sewers shall be constructed along streets, alleys and other public ways wherever practicable; and no such sewer shall be built or acquired by the city, unless it is on a public way or right-of-way owned by the city. Such sewers may be connected with any other sewer of any class or with a natural course of drainage.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 22-211
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.