Columbia Same—Relocation ordinance (§ 27-60)
Chapter 27: Utilities · Article III. Water and Light System
In short: A property owner next to a city fire hydrant can ask in writing to have it moved by depositing the estimated cost plus overhead, and the owner is billed or refunded any difference, but the department can refuse if the move would hurt the hydrant's safety, convenience or protection. The department pays to fix hydrants it mislocated on private property, while customers pay to relocate pipes serving standpipes or sprinkler systems.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Relocation of a fire hydrant occupying a city right-of-way or easement may be made by the department upon written request of an owner of property adjacent to such hydrant and the deposit of the estimated cost of relocation, plus overhead, with the department. In the event of an under or over-estimate, the owner will be billed for or refunded the difference; provided, the department reserves the right to refuse to relocate the fire hydrant if, in its opinion, such relocation would be detrimental to the safety, convenience or protection potential of the hydrant.
(b) Hydrants mislocated by the department on private property shall be relocated at the expense of the department upon written request of the property owner.
(c) Relocation of water pipes supplying standpipes or sprinkler systems shall be the responsibility and expense of the customer.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 27-60
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.