Columbia Private common collector sewers ordinance (§ 22-253)
Chapter 22: Public Works and Improvements · Article VI. Sewers and Sewage Disposal
In short: The city can take over a private sewer line shared by two or more lots or separately owned buildings, by gift, purchase or condemnation. Unless it's a gift, the city must first create a sewer district. It may then repair the line to city standards, and no special assessments can be levied for projects that eliminate such lines.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) A private common collector sewer is a sewer line which is not owned and maintained by a public entity and which serves two (2) or more lots, tracts or parcels of land or two (2) or more structures under separate ownership.
(b) The city may acquire, by gift, purchase or condemnation, any private common collector sewer.
(c) Prior to acquiring, except by gift, a private common collector sewer, the city shall establish a sewer district which encompasses the private common collector sewer to be acquired.
(d) After acquiring a private common collector sewer, the city may repair or reconstruct the sewer line to bring the line into compliance with city sewer standards and specifications.
(e) Special assessments shall not be levied for sewer district projects that involve the elimination of private common collector sewers.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 22-253
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.