West Columbia Phone Directory
West Columbia sits in Lexington County, South Carolina. It spans 8.9 square miles west of the Congaree River. The city has a population of roughly 18,000 people. West Columbia holds its own set of public offices and shares some services with Lexington County. This phone directory lists key contact numbers for city hall, the police, the county clerk, and the courts. Use these listings to reach the right office by phone. All numbers on this page are for public services in the city of West Columbia and Lexington County, South Carolina.
West Columbia Quick Facts
West Columbia City Hall Contacts
West Columbia City Hall is at 200 N. 12th Street. The zip code is 29169. Call (803) 791-1880 to reach the main line. The city runs on a council form of government. Nine members serve on the council, and that count includes the mayor. Temus C. "Tem" Miles, Jr. is the current mayor of West Columbia.
The city administrator reports to the council. This role covers day-to-day operations. Staff at city hall can route your call to the right department. They handle planning, zoning, code compliance, and building permits. Water and sewer billing goes through this office too.
You can pay your water bill or a traffic ticket through the city's online portal. Visit westcolumbiasc.gov for those tools. The site also has forms for service requests and event permits. Hours are Monday through Friday during normal business times.
| Office | West Columbia City Hall |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 N. 12th Street West Columbia, SC 29169 |
| Phone | (803) 791-1880 |
| Mayor | Temus C. "Tem" Miles, Jr. |
| Website | westcolumbiasc.gov |
Note: City hall closes on all state holidays. Check the website for a full list of closures before you visit in person.
West Columbia Police Phone Directory
The West Columbia Police Department serves all 8.9 square miles of the city. Officers handle patrol, traffic, and investigations. The department works with Lexington County law enforcement on cases that cross city lines. For emergencies, always dial 911.
Non-emergency calls go through city hall at (803) 791-1880. Ask for the police department. Staff will transfer you. You can also visit the city website for more direct contact options.
The police department files reports each day. The public can request copies of certain records. Crash reports, incident reports, and arrest records are the most common types. Some records are free. Others may have a small fee for copies. State law controls which files are open to the public and which ones stay sealed.
Lexington County Clerk Phone Listing
West Columbia falls under Lexington County for court and county records. The Lexington County Clerk of Court is at 212 S Lake Dr Suite 201 in Lexington, SC. Call (803) 785-8190 to reach the clerk by phone. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
The clerk handles civil case filings, criminal records, and certified copies. If you need a court document from a West Columbia case, this is the office to call. Bring valid photo ID if you plan to visit. Have your case number ready. It speeds up the process.
The Lexington County Judicial Center also has a separate entrance for the clerk's office. Parking is available on site. The staff can help you fill out forms or point you to the right courtroom. For general court questions, you can also visit lex-co.sc.gov for hours and directions.
| Office | Lexington County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 212 S Lake Dr Suite 201 Lexington, SC |
| Phone | (803) 785-8190 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | lex-co.sc.gov/departments/clerk-court |
Note: The clerk's office does not give legal advice. If you need help with a case, contact a licensed attorney in South Carolina.
Lexington County Family Court
Family Court in Lexington County handles cases that involve domestic matters. These include divorce, custody, and child support. West Columbia residents file family cases through the Lexington County court system. Call (803) 785-8400 to reach the Family Court office.
The court is part of the Lexington County Judicial Center. It shares space with the clerk's office and other courts. You can file new cases at the clerk window. Staff will stamp your documents and give you a case number. Filing fees vary by case type.
Hearings are set by the court calendar. Check with the clerk for your date. Some cases require mediation first. The court may order it before a hearing takes place. Bring all your paperwork to each visit. Judges expect both sides to be prepared.
Phone Directory for FOIA Requests
South Carolina law gives the public a right to view government records. The Freedom of Information Act covers all public bodies in the state. West Columbia follows this law for city records. Lexington County follows it for county records. Both must respond to written requests within the time frame set by the law.
To file a FOIA request with West Columbia, call city hall at (803) 791-1880. Staff can tell you what forms to use. You may also submit your request in writing. Include your name, contact details, and a clear description of what you want. The more specific you are, the faster the process goes.
The full text of the South Carolina FOIA law is in Title 30, Chapter 4 of the SC Code. It applies to meeting records, budgets, contracts, and more. You do not need to state a reason for your request. The law does not require you to explain why you want the records.
Fees may apply for large requests. The city can charge for copies and staff time. Ask about costs before you submit your request. That way, there are no surprises. Most simple requests cost little or nothing at all.
Note: Response times depend on the size and type of your request. Some records are ready in a few days. Others may take weeks if the files are large or old.
West Columbia Court Records Access
Court records for West Columbia go through Lexington County. The SC Judicial Branch runs a public index online. It has records from 1988 to the present. You can search by name or case number. The index is free to use. It shows case dates, charges, and status.
For certified copies, you must contact the Lexington County Clerk at (803) 785-8190. There is a fee for each certified copy. The amount depends on the number of pages. Walk-in requests are handled at the clerk window on a first-come basis.
Some records are not open to the public. Juvenile cases, sealed files, and certain victim data stay restricted. State law sets these limits. If you are not sure what you can get, call the clerk first. They will tell you what is available and what steps to take.
- Civil case filings and dispositions
- Criminal case records open to the public
- Traffic and municipal violations
- Probate records through the Probate Court at (803) 785-8324
About West Columbia SC
West Columbia lies just west of Columbia across the Congaree River. The two cities share a border but have separate governments. West Columbia has its own police, fire, and public works departments. It is a small city with a close-knit feel.
The River District is a key part of the city. It has parks, trails, and public spaces along the water. The riverwalk draws visitors and locals alike. Community events take place there throughout the year. The city also runs recreation programs and maintains several parks.
West Columbia sits in the Midlands region of South Carolina. It is close to Cayce, Lexington, and Irmo. Interstate 26 and US 1 run through or near the city. That makes it easy to reach from most parts of the metro area. The city is a good base for those who work in Columbia but want a smaller town to live in.
Using This West Columbia Phone Directory
This page lists the main public offices for West Columbia and Lexington County. Each section has a phone number, address, or website link. Start with the office that fits your need. If you are not sure where to call, try city hall first. Staff can point you to the right place.
Tips for reaching West Columbia offices:
- Call during business hours, Monday through Friday
- Have your case or reference number ready
- Ask for the specific division you need
- Use the city website for forms and online payments
- Check for holiday closures before you visit
Wait times can be long on Mondays. Plan your call for midweek if you can. Many offices also see high volume right after holidays. For non-urgent matters, email or online forms may be faster than a phone call.
Lexington County Phone Directory
West Columbia is part of Lexington County. The county handles court records, property records, and vital records. For a full list of Lexington County office phone numbers and contact details, visit the county page. Many services that affect West Columbia residents go through the county level.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
These cities are near West Columbia in the Midlands region. Each has its own public offices and phone listings. Pick a city below to find contact numbers for that area.