Columbia Stealing, damaging, etc., street signs ordinance (§ 24-11)
Chapter 24: Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places · Article I. In General
In short: Stealing, defacing or damaging a street name sign or post, or putting any advertising on one, is a misdemeanor in Columbia, except for banners allowed under section 29-4.8(e) of the city code.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
Every person within the city who shall steal, take and carry away or deface or damage any signboard or signpost or any part thereof bearing the name of any street within the city, or who shall place on such signboard or signpost any advertising matter of any nature or description whatsoever, except for banners allowed under section 29-4.8(e) of this Code, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 24-11
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.