Columbia Blocking fire hydrants and fire department connections ordinance (§ 9-43)
Chapter 9: Fire Prevention and Protection · Article III. Fire Department
In short: You can't hide, damage, deface, block or restrict access to any fire hydrant or fire department connection, on public streets or private property. If an obstruction isn't removed after a violation notice, the fire official will remove it and the city can take action to recover the cost.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Prohibition. It shall be unlawful to obscure from view, damage, deface, obstruct or restrict access to any fire hydrant or any fire department connection for the pressurization of fire suppression systems, including fire hydrants and fire department connections that are located on public or private streets and access lanes, or on private property.
(b) Removal by fire official. If, upon the expiration of the time mentioned in a notice of violation, obstructions or encroachments are not removed, the fire official shall proceed to remove the same. Costs incurred in the performance of necessary work shall be paid from the city treasury on certificate of the fire chief, and with the approval of the city manager the city counselor shall institute appropriate action for the recovery of such costs.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 9-43
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.