If you are designing the column as a beam (i.e. very little axial load and more a flexural element) then the shear design for a "beam" follows this way:
1. If the shear Vu is greater than φVc then you must provide shear stirrups based on Equation 11-2 and Section 11.4.7 (i.e. Vs is calculated)
2. If the shear Vu is greater than φVc/2 but less than φVc, then you must meet 11.4.5 (your stated situation)
3. If the shear Vu is less than φVc/2 no shear reinforcement is required. (based on 11.4.6.1)
So if you are under condition 3 above, then you can essentially do what you like - providing ties or whatever to facilitate construction or to give you a level of warm fuzzies.
If you are in condition 2, then yes - you must meet the limits in 11.4.5.
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