Columbia Application for utility service ordinance (§ 27-17)
Chapter 27: Utilities · Article II. Accounts and Billing
In short: To start city utility service, you must apply at the city's designated utilities accounts and billing office with your name, address, service type and service location, pay required deposits and fees, and sign the customer service agreement. Service can't be refused based on race, sex, creed, national origin, marital status, age, number of dependents, source of income or place of residence in the service area.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
Customers shall apply for utility service at a location designated by the city manager as the utilities accounts and billing office by submitting their name and address, the kind of service requested, and the location to be served, by making the necessary deposits, paying the service initiation fee, paying any required connection fees and completing the customer service agreement. No customer shall be refused service due to race, sex, creed, national origin, marital status, age, number of dependents, source of income, or place of residence in the service area.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 27-17
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.