Advertisement of vacancies on various boards and commissions 

July 26, 2022

The City of Columbia is accepting applications to fill several vacancies on the following boards and commissions. 

Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) 

Seeking to fill seven (7) vacancies. 

The purpose of the BPAC is to advise the City of Columbia Transportation Planning staff, City Council Members, the Mayor and community organizations and partners on bicycling and pedestrian issues facing the city and to work toward the development of a bicycle/pedestrian master plan; represent community and constituent interests in transportation planning decisions; and provide feedback to staff on projects relating to walking and bicycling. City of Columbia staff will consider recommendations from the BPAC along with input from other members of the public during decision making. This committee is comprised of seventeen (17) members – three (3) appointed by the Mayor and two (2) appointed by each council member. – Term- 3 years

Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) 

Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy. 

The purpose of the Board is to consider applications for variances to the development standards of the Zoning Ordinance, for special exceptions, and for administrative appeals where a person claims that the Zoning Administrator has erred in the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. In making a decision about an application, Board members apply criteria outlined within the Zoning Ordinance. The Board does not act as a recommending body to City Council; instead, appeals of decisions of the Board are heard in Circuit Court.

Board of Zoning Appeals Forms Based Codes 

Seeking to fill three (3) vacancies.

The purpose of this board is to hear and decide appeals when it is alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made the zoning administrator or the Consolidated Review Committee in the enforcement of the code when the property is governed by a form based code. This committee is comprised of five (5) members – one (1) architect, one (1) attorney, one (1) landscape architect or urban planner, one (1) in real estate, and one at-large individual. – Term – 3 years

Building Board of Adjustment and Appeals 

Seeking to fill six (6) vacancies. 

The purpose of this board is to hear appeals from decisions rendered by Code officials as it relates to the interpretation of the 2006 International Building Code. This committee is comprised of seven (7) members with two (2) of those members being alternates. They are to include an architect, engineer, residential builder, commercial builder, and a citizen with building/design experience. – Term – 3 years

Design Development Review Commission (DDRC) 

Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy for an Architectural Historian. 

The purpose of the Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) is to review and approve work proposed within the City’s historic districts, urban design areas, and upon designated landmarks. Term – 3 years

Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development

Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy. The purpose of the Citizens Advisory Committee is to make important recommendations for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA). They advise the Mayor and Council on the needs of neighborhoods; reviews amendments; and make appropriate comments on policies. This committee has seven (7) members with each Councilmember appointing one (1) representative. Term- 4 years

Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) 

Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy for a commissioner. 

The mission of the Columbia Housing Authority is “to meet the emerging affordable housing needs of low to moderate-income individuals and families in Columbia and Richland County while promoting self-reliance and improving their quality of life”. The board consists of seven (7) members that will include one (1) member who must be a resident of the Housing Authority. Term- 5 years

Commercial Revolving Loan Fund 

Seeking to fill two (2) vacancies for an Attorney & Small Business Owner. 

The City of Columbia is accepting applications for the Commercial Revolving Loan Review Board. Individuals applying for this board must be a Small business owner or

an Attorney. The purpose of this committee is to review and approve/disapprove applications for loans from the City of Columbia Commercial Revolving Loan Fund. – Term- 2 years

Greater Columbia Community Relations Council (GCCRC) 

Seeking to fill seven (7) vacancies. 

The purpose of the council is to submit recommendations and opinions regarding community relation matters that affect the Greater Columbia Area. They seek individuals with a desire to help the community develop better relations and provide objective goals to help foster good relations in our community. They serve as mediators, trainers and advocates for people who need assistance in our community. This Council provides an abundance of services including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) forums for the public, Fair Housing Education, as well as, programs aimed at helping develop strong interpersonal skills. This committee is multi-jurisdictional with Richland County, Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the City each appointing ten (10) members for a total of 30 members. Term- 3 years

Riverbanks Parks Commission 

Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy. 

The purpose of the Riverbanks Park Commission is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of Riverbanks Zoo. This committee consists of seven commissioners. Columbia City Council, Richland County Council, and Lexington County Council each appoint two (2) members independently and the seventh member is appointed by one of these bodies on a rotating basis. Term- 6 years.

Property Maintenance Board of Appeals 

Seeking to fill three (3) vacancies. 

The purpose of this commission is to provide for the orderly disposition of the business of the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals (Board) by codifying the means by which that business is to be transacted. This commission is comprised of seven (7) members. – Term – 3 years

Transportation Penny Oversight Committee 

Seeking to fill one (1) vacancy. 

This committee will review, comment on, and provide recommendations on the Transportation Penny to Richland County Council. The goal is to have representation from all 3 transportation modes (Transit, Bicycle / Pedestrian / Greenways, Roadway). This committee has three (3) appointees Term- 5 years

Deadline –Applications are due no later than August 2, 2022 at 5 p.m. To apply please visit, https://boards.columbiasc.gov/, and apply through our new MatchBoard interface. If you require more information or additional assistance, please contact Ashley Jenkins at 803-545-3026 or send a request to via email, [email protected].