Government Top Tasks

Apply to Serve Apply to interview for posted vacancies in citizen service boards, committees, and commissions.
Report Prison Rape The Detention Center maintains a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment of inmates.
Hospitality Taxes Business owners can pay Richland County hospitality taxes online.
Business Updates Update the County if your business activities, name, address or ownership have changed.
Accommodation Taxes Businesses offering short-term accommodations can pay Local Accommodations Taxes online.
Rental Properties Rental properties require registration in Richland County.
Visitors Richland County has the attractions and hospitality you’re sure to love.
Purchase Order Conditions Terms and conditions for Richland County purchase orders.
Assessment Appeal Follow the outlined process to appeal your property's valuation within 90 days of notice.
Mapping and Records Access County property data and maps and update information if needed.
Richland County Neighborhood Council Provides residents an information exchange and advises local officials on issues affecting communities.
Transportation Penny Advisory Committee Reviews, comments on, and provides recommendations to County Council regarding use of the one-cent additional sales tax.
Richland County Recreation Commission Delivers quality recreation programs in order to better promote health and improve the quality of life in Richland County.
Information Technology The backbone of the County’s digital infrastructure, developing secure, efficient, and innovative technology services for residents and employees.
Educational Materials Educational materials are available for Richland County educators to borrow for classroom use.
Pet License A pet license identifies and protects your dog or cat if they get lost and signals it is vaccinated against rabies.
Lost and Found Pets Take these steps to bring pets back home.
Animal Services Keeping communities safe by promoting responsible pet ownership and protecting against the diseases carried by pests.
Hours and Closures View business hours, parking information, and holiday closings.
Stray Cats Learn how you can help control the community cat population.
Spay/Neuter Voucher Learn about spay/neuter vouchers available for pets and Trap Neuter Return (TNR) programs.
Auditor Calculates and prepares property tax bills based on assessed values and applicable tax rates.
When a Pet Dies Know the options available for burying or removing deceased pets.
Auditor Applying tax rates, ensuring rates are correctly applied and maintaining public records on local taxes.
Fire Inspection Review of fire plans for compliance with County and state regulations.
Emergency Management Find steps to plan and prepare for disasters, and sign up receive alerts.
Hazardous Materials Enforcing the local laws on chemicals or substances that may be harmful to people or the environment.
Fire Inspections Review of fire plans for compliance with County and state regulations.
Fire Marshal Protecting lives and property through fire safety education and enforcement of fire and safety codes.
Inspections Understand inspections and requirements for Richland County.
Courts and Judicial System Ensuring justice and public safety in Richland County through civil, criminal, family, and probate legal proceedings.
Criminal Court Handles cases where someone is accused of breaking the law, from minor offenses to serious crimes.
General Sessions A division of Circuit Court that handles felony and serious misdemeanor criminal cases.
Public Defender Provides legal defense to individuals charged with crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney.
Solicitor Chief prosecutor of the Fifth Circuit handling criminal cases on behalf of the State of South Carolina for Richland and Kershaw Counties.
Traffic Court Handles citations and tickets for driving violations.
Civil Court Resolves disputes between people, businesses, or organizations.
Magistrate Forms Court forms for Magistrate Court from South Carolina Judicial Branch.
Know Where It Goes Common items and where to recycle or dispose properly.
Pet Laws and Help Learn the rules for pets and how to handle common situations.
Property Valuation Understand how real property is valued for taxation in Richland County.
Roadside Cleanup Community clean sweeps and anti-litter enforcement.
Commercial Pet Breeder Permit A permit to ensure pet breeding businesses are in a suitable location and pass inspection.
Homes and Communities Find Richland County programs and services to strengthen communities.
Master-in-Equity Procedures Review Master-in-Equity procedures.
Self-represented Procedures Review Master-in-Equity self-represented procedures.
Master-in-Equity A relatively quick and inexpensive means of litigation resolution for civil, non-jury matters over $7,500.
Master-in-Equity Fees Review Master-in-Equity fees.
Common Pleas Forms Court forms for Common Pleas from South Carolina Judicial Branch.
Master-in-Equity Court Rosters
Judge Lawrence Order of Reference Checklist Review the Master-in-Equity Order of Reference checklist.
Child Advocates Court-appointed advocates for children through Family Court and beyond.
Vehicle Tax Vehicle taxes are due each year by the last day of the month your decal expires.
Land and Buildings Understand how values are assessed for land and buildings.
Roads and Drainage Maintaining County roads and storm drain systems.
Tax Exemptions Review the different qualifications for tax exemptions on real property and vehicles.
Conservation Learn about conservation and protection efforts for our area's natural, cultural and historical resources.
Business Taxes Find information for business personal property, hospitality, and accommodation taxes.
Bond Court Determines whether a person arrested for a crime can be released before trial and under what conditions.
Building Permits Understand permitting steps for homeowners and contractors in Richland County.
Property Maintenance Share the location of a neglected, unsafe or abandoned home or building.
Plan Review Understand the plan review process for Richland County.
Commercial Inspection Schedule building inspections in the correct order to avoid delays.
Residential Inspection Schedule home inspections in the correct order to avoid delays.
Property Search Search for Richland County properties by tax map number, address or owner.
Stay Up To Date Sign up for the County's weekly newsletter!
Columbia-Richland Fire Careers Learn about firefighter positions with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department.
Sheriff's Department Careers Learn about careers and internships with the Richland County Sheriff's Department.
Events Find upcoming public meetings and events based on your interests.
Ordinances View codified ordinances and non-codified ordinances.
Get Involved Attend events and meetings, or apply to serve in your community.
Clerk of Court Manages court records and oversees the administration of court cases, including civil, criminal, and family court matters.
Treasurer Collects and distributes property taxes and manages the County’s financial assets.
Elected Offices Learn about Richland County officials, their roles, and contact details.
Coroner Investigates deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or unattended to determine cause and manner of death.
Sheriff Enforces the law and provides public safety services including criminal investigations and patrols.
Conservation Protecting our natural, cultural and historical resources through outreach, grants, and special projects.
Surrender or Rehome a Pet Tips to help find a new home for a pet.
Vector Control Providing treatments and public education on insects that can spread diseases to humans.
Animals Get connected to lost and found pet resources, report a cat or dog concern, and obtain a County pet license to reflect current vaccinations.
Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center Part of the criminal justice system, this is where people are held after being arrested in Richland County.
Transportation Penny Provided funding for hundreds of neighborhood improvement projects, including road widenings, intersection upgrades, dirt road pavings, sidewalks, bikeways, greenways and more.
Public Information Office Increasing public awareness and understanding of Richland County Government and serving as a media contact.
Operational Services Safeguarding public facilities for departments to serve residents, businesses, and visitors efficiently.
Organization Understand County departments and how services are structured.
Treasurer Collecting taxes, maintaining bank accounts, investing funds, and maintaining trust with efficient and helpful service.
Election Workers Learn about poll manager training and election worker opportunities.
Voter Registration and Elections Providing every citizen the opportunity to register to vote and maintaining the integrity and accuracy of elections.
Voter Outreach Learn about voter education services available for local organizations.
Strategic Plan Track progress on strategic planning and performance management goals.
Detention Center Careers Learn about job opportunities at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
Assistant County Administrators Assistant County Administrator direct and coordinate different departments within Richland County.
Small Local Business Enterprise Certification (SLBE) Qualify to bid on Richland County contracts for construction, services, and goods and appear in our directory.
Finances Explore budgets, tax reports, and financial transparency resources.
Neighborhood Improvement Program Supporting the long-term health of neighborhoods by investing in resident-directed projects and planning.
Planning and Development Services Providing guidance to develop property in Richland County from concept to completion.
Disclaimer Review the legal disclaimer for the website.
Privacy Review the privacy statement for the website.
Business Taxes
Mobile Home Setup Understand the requirements for registering or relocating mobile homes in Richland County.
Subdivision Plan Review Ensure subdivision plans meet code requirements.
Commercial Plan Review Ensure commercial plans meet code requirements.
Emergency Services Providing professional and cost effective emergency and public safety planning, response and recovery programs for County residents.
Business Understand business license and business tax requirements, plus small business certification and support.
Engineering Oversight, maintenance and enhancements of transportation and infrastructure systems.
Permits Explore types of permitting and requirements for Richland County.
Public Works Providing for your safety, health and welfare as you interface with public infrastructure.
Legislative Delegation and Veterans Affairs Uniting elected leaders and Veterans Affairs to serve and strengthen resources for our veterans and their dependents.
New Development Guiding responsible growth across Richland County.
Procurement and Contracting Promoting full and open competition for purchasing goods and administering contracts.
Vendor Registration Register to bid and receive notifications of Richland County opportunities.
Purchasing Browse open and upcoming bid opportunities and register as a Richland County vendor.
Upcoming Solicitations View upcoming opportunities to bid on Richland County projects.
Current Solicitations View active opportunities to bid on Richland County projects.
Transportation Information about roads, drainage, stormwater, and Jim Hamilton-LB Owens airport.
Risk Management Identifying, assessing, and managing risks across all County operations.
Register of Deeds Recording and maintaining real estate records and other land-related documents for public access.
Columbia Area Development Partnership Driving high-impact economic growth in Richland County through new industry and workforce investments.
Tax Payment Plan Request a monthly payment plan to manage your property tax bill.
Affordable Housing Development Investing in the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing in unincorporated areas of Richland County.
Plans and Reports View the plans for public input and reports regarding the strategic use of Federal funds.
Building Permitting and Inspections Protecting communities by ensuring homes, businesses, and public spaces are safe and up to code.
Finance Maintaining the fiscal integrity of the County’s financial records, issuing payments, producing reports, and performing audits.
Legal Residence Reduce the assessment ratio from 6% to 4% when you meet residency and ownership requirements.
Airport Operations Learn about airport operations and pilot information.
About the Airport Learn about airport history, commission and partners.
Airport Facilities Learn about the airport facilities and send a request.
Jim Hamilton-LB Owens Airport A single runway general aviation facility supporting transportation and economic development needs.
Government and Community Services The Richland County Government and Community Services Department connects Richland County residents with their local government.
Administration County Administration oversees the day-to-day operations to serve the public and carry out the policies set by County Council.
Watercraft Understand how taxes are calculated for watercraft.
Campers and Motor Homes Understand how taxes are calculated for campers and motor homes.
Aircraft Understand how taxes are calculated for aircraft.
Utilities Behind the scenes 24/7, every day of the year to ensure citizens have clean drinking water and safe, reliable sanitation services.
Vehicle Tax
Business Personal Property Taxes Businesses pay taxes on business-related furniture, fixtures and equipment.
Fair Housing View Richland County information about fair housing.
Comprehensive Planning Learn about the long-term plan for Richland County’s growth, development, and preservation.
Business Personal Property Tax
Recording Fees View recording fees by document type for Register of Deeds.
Become a Friend of RSWCD Fund local conservation efforts as a Richland Soil and Water Conservation District Friend.
Land Development Details for developers about our land development processes.
Commercial Utilities Understand the steps required for commercial utilities projects.
Report an Issue Not sure where to turn? The Richland County Ombudsman's Office is your one-stop contact for answers, requests and problem-solving.
Water and Sewer Pay your water and sewer bill, or apply for utilities services for residential or commercial projects in covered areas.
Budget and Strategic Management Supporting County departments through financial guidance and managing awarded grant funds.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Academy Learn about our accelerated medical training program for EMT certification.
General Sessions Forms Court forms for General Sessions from South Carolina Judicial Branch.
Court Calendar View upcoming court dates and schedules for all case types.
Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) Promotes transportation opportunities for all citizens within Richland County and a limited service area in Lexington County.
Community Relations Council Works to make the Midlands a better place to live and work for all residents
Animal Care Advisory Committee Provides oversight and recommendations regarding improving animal care services.
Administration and Finance Committee Functions as a committee of ways and means.
Ad Hoc and Short-Term Committees Groups that form for specific tasks or objectives and end when completed.
Library Board of Trustees Oversees and guides the long-term strategies for the ongoing success of Richland Library.
Internal Audit Committee Reviews all areas of County operations which County funds are levied, collected, expended, or otherwise used.
Building Codes Board of Appeals Hears and decides on appeals to the decisions of the Building or Fire Official.
Central Midlands Council of Governments Guides area-wide development wit research, planning and technical assistance.
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee Makes recommendations on the expenditure of revenue generated from the Accommodations Tax.
Business Service Center Appeals Board Hears appeals on actions related to County business licenses.
Board of Assessment Appeals Hears appeals related to property tax disputes between the Assessor and the taxpayer.
Board of Zoning Appeals Guides development in accordance with existing and future needs, suitability, and the Comprehensive Plan.
Board of Voter Registration and Elections Oversees all aspects of elections in Richland County, from voter registration to certification of results.
Richland Memorial Hospital (Prisma Health) Board of Trustees Oversees the operation and governance of the hospital system.
The Township Auditorium Oversees the performing arts venue to provide quality services to the community.
Music Festival Commission Oversees the execution of music festivals in Richland County.
Riverbanks Park Commission Governs the Riverbanks Park Special Purpose District for the financial stability of the zoo.
River Alliance Board Creates community benefit from 90 miles of the region’s rivers.
Performing Arts Center Board Sets policy, priorities and rates for the Ira and Nancy Koger Center for the Arts.
Nulla Bona Committee Decides which taxes are non-collectable and should be deleted from the tax rolls.
Rules and Appointments Committee Reviews, provides oversight, and serves as advisory body on the rules of the County Council concerning appointments to County boards, commissions, and committees.
Lexington Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council Provides alcohol and drug abuse services to Lexington and Richland Counties.
Midlands Regional Convention Center Authority Engages in all aspects and activities related to the Convention Center.
East Richland Public Service Commission Oversees functions of constructing, operating, maintaining and financing a sanitary sewage collection and treatment system throughout the district.
Midlands Workforce Development Board Helps strengthen and improve our nation’s public workforce system.
Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee Reviews applications and makes recommendations regarding the allocation and distribution of the County Promotions portion of hospitality tax funds.
Historic Columbia Foundation Operates and manages two historic properties.
Development and Services Committee Meets regarding the operational matters, economic development, functions and activities of Public Works and Engineering.
Economic Development Committee Works to assist new companies considering locating in Richland County and existing companies considering expanding operations.
Americans with Disabilities Act Notice Review the Americans with Disabilities Act Notice.
Manufactured Homes Understand the requirements for registering or relocating manufactured homes in Richland County.
Early and Absentee Voting Learn about early voting and qualifications for absentee voting.
Solicitor Serves as the County’s chief prosecutor, responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and overseeing diversion programs.
Voting and Elections Register to vote, or check your registration ahead of elections.
Budget View the budget timeline with recorded meetings and documents.
Minor Home Repairs Provides repairs to income-eligible homeowners for critical health and safety needs on their home.
Neighborhood Enrichment Grants Provides funds for neighborhood-based groups for beautification, safety, health, leisure, and engagement projects.
Community Development Block Grants Grants from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Flooding Learn about local flood management, safety and property protection.
Emergency Solutions Grant Helps individuals and families in our community experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes.
Utilities & Services Utilities & Services
Government View local laws, elected officials and the many opportunities to participate in Richland County Government.
Ombudsman Your personal guide to County services. Reach out to find answers and get assistance.
Zoning Assists residents, developers, and business owners with information about land use and zoning classifications.
Support Payments How to establish, pay, or check the status of Family Court payments.
Family Court Handles legal matters involving families, such as divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile issues.
Departments Learn about the different departments of Richland County Government.
Homeownership Assistance Provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a home in unincorporated Richland County.
Maps (GIS) Explore our mapped datasets designed to support a variety of Richland County operations.
Public Records Steps to request non-exempt public records in accordance with the SC Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Trash and Recycling Learn what items go where for curbside and drop-off centers.
Grants and Community Outreach Empowering Richland County by securing and managing grants that drive sustainable growth, strengthen communities, and support vital services.
Title VI Richland County's Title VI statements, procedures and reporting.
Conservation Education Find resources for teachers to inspire students on conservation topics.
Accommodation Grants Available financial support for tourism-related projects that attract visitors for overnight stays.
Common Pleas A division of Circuit Court that hears civil lawsuits involving large claims, such as injury cases, contract disputes, or property matters.
Community Impact Grants Financial support for organizations offering innovative and needed services for all citizens.
Community Development Mailing List Sign up to receive emails from Richland County Community Development regarding grant opportunities and information.
Community Development Administering grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to improve low-income neighborhoods.
Probate Forms and Terms Access Richland County Probate forms and understand related terms.
Small Claims A division of Magistrate Court that resolves disputes involving $7,500 or less.
Curbside Pickup Learn how to set up curbside service and what's accepted for both recycling and garbage.
Detention Center Get detainee information, visitation guidelines, and mail rules.
Magistrates View Magistrate Court Judges by location and court information.
Register of Deeds Officially recorded real estate records for Richland County.
Subscription Data Services A fee-based subscription service for online viewing of records related to Richland County deeds and estates.
Taxes Find information on property, motor vehicle, and business taxes, including online payment options and tax-related forms.
Richland County Bailey Bill Special property tax assessments for rehabilitation of historic buildings.
Conservation Plans and Projects Learn about our ongoing conservation projects and how you can get involved.
Conservation Grants Funds available to help promote conservation and historic preservation.
Rent Conservation Equipment Equipment is available for rent in Richland County and the Twenty-five Mile Creek Watershed.
Seed Sanctuary Residents can request free vegetable, herb and wildflower seeds.
Historical Marker Program Understand the steps to propose an historical marker.
Protect Your Land Landowners can protect their land through conservation easements
Enrich: African American History Tour Explore African American landmarks and special sites in Richland County.
Richland County Ag + Art Tour
Commitments Learn about involuntary commitments for mental health or substance use.
Guardians and Conservators Procedures for petitioning for conservator and/or guardian for an incapacitated adult or application for conservator for a minor.
Marriage Licenses Apply for a marriage license, or request a certified copy of your completed license.
Marriage Apply for a marriage license, or request a certified copy of your completed license.
Estate Records Access Probate Court records information in person, by mail and online.
Estates Open an estate after death, search for pending estates, and search estate records.
Conservation Education Mini-Grants Apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding to support conservation projects and youth environmental education initiatives.
Subscription Data Services A fee-based subscription service for online viewing of records related to Richland County deeds and estates.
Pay Taxes Pay your Richland County taxes online, in person, by mail or request a payment plan.
Small Business Hub Find guidance for your small business to grow and discover new opportunities.
Small Business Resources Explore our local community partnerships.
Assessor Valuing and listing all real property for tax purposes and maintaining property ownership records.
Business License Get the forms and learn the steps for a new business license application for Richland County.
Property Tax Learn how three key County offices work together and how to read the tax bill.
Water or Sewer Bill Pay your Richland County water or sewer bill online, by phone, in person, by mail or set up automatic drafts.
License Renewal Renew your annual business license online, by mail, or in person.
Property & Business Explore property, business, tax and development information.
Business Service Center Helping businesses navigate the local licensing process and meet County requirements for hospitality and accommodation taxes.
Court Appointed Special Advocates Assisting families and advocating for children through Family Court matters and beyond.
Grants Find funding opportunities for communities, organizations, nonprofits and more.
Hospitality Grants Available financial support to organizations or projects with a mission to attract tourists.
Jobs Discover employee benefits, browse open positions, and apply for employment.
Human Resources Developing and implementing policies, procedures and programs to support County employees.
Public Safety Careers Explore jobs dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the public.
All Available Jobs Browse all Richland County jobs and apply online.
Forfeited Land Available Learn how forfeited properties are sold, including offer forms and payment instructions.
Tax Sale The 2025 Tax Sale will take place Nov. 3-4 at the Township Auditorium.
Delinquent Taxes Understand what happens when taxes go unpaid and how to avoid penalties.
Planning Commission Plans programs for the physical, social and economic growth, development and redevelopment of the unincorporated area of the County.
Office of Small Business Opportunity Helping small businesses grow and compete through guidance and resources.
Stormwater Promoting stormwater drainage and water quality enhancement.
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District Promotes natural resource conservation through education, demonstrations, technical and financial assistance.
Water or Sewer Service Apply for water or sewer service via email, fax, by mail or in person.
Administrator The County Administrator serves as the administrative head of Richland County, directing and coordinating the operation of agencies and administrative activities established by County Council.
Drop-Off Centers Residents may use the drop-off garbage and recycling centers free of charge.
Employee Benefits Review the comprehensive benefits package for employees.
Probate Judge Handles matters such as wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and marriage licenses.
Courts & Safety Ensuring justice and public safety in Richland County through civil, criminal, family, and probate legal proceedings.
Probate Contacts Contact list for Probate Court.
Probate Court Handles estate administration, estate and trust litigation, appointment of guardians and conservators, civil commitment, and issues marriage licenses.
Historic Preservation Grants Grants available for site restoration and preservation education and research programs.
Natural Resource Grants Grants available for protecting and enhancing water quality and natural areas.
Reports Richland County is a leader in transparent financial reporting.
Stay Up To Date Sign up to receive Richland County Government information.
Neighborhood Improvement Partner with the County to develop neighborhood plans and coordinate improvement projects.
Emergency Medical Services One of the busiest and most highly respected emergency medical services response teams in South Carolina.
All Elections Learn about upcoming elections in Richland County.
Airport Commission Advises County Council on development, maintenance and operation of Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport (CUB) and promotes aviation in Richland County.
Conservation Commission Protects the County's natural, historical, and cultural resources and promotes nature-based recreation and eco- and heritage tourism