Code Enforcement, a division of Housing & Neighborhood Services, works to improve the safety and appearance of Charlotte’s communities by upholding standards and protecting quality of life across the city. Dedicated teams partner with residents, neighborhood groups, community leaders, and business owners to provide education, build relationships, and address code violations.
PRESERVING OUR WELL-BEING
The Health & Sanitation Ordinance requires property owners to maintain their property in a safe and sanitary condition. This ordinance only applies to properties within Charlotte city limits.
Examples of Health & Sanitation violations include:
- Tall weeds and grass
- Trash and junk piles
- Neglect of premise
- Litter
- Rollout containers, bulky items and other curbside violations
- Graffiti
- Abandoned, junked or hazardous motor vehicles
How do I report a Health and Sanitation violation?
There are several ways that violations can be reported. Residents can:
What happens after I report a Health and Sanitation violation?
An inspector will visit the property to verify that the violation exists. If the violation is confirmed, the property owner will be identified through Mecklenburg County real estate records and a letter describing the violation and what must be done to correct the violation will be sent. The property owner will be given a specific amount of time to correct the violation.
What happens with properties that have multiple violations in a calendar year?
These properties are designated as either chronic or repeat offenders and are subject to immediate escalating fines and abatement action. A chronic offender is a property owner who had four or more violations on any property they own in the previous calendar year, and a repeat offender is a property owner who had four or more violations at the same property in the previous calendar year (excludes vehicle and sign violations).
What if the problem is not fixed within the time allowed?
The inspector may:
- Issue a citation (fines begin at $150.00).
- Hire a contractor to clean up the property. If the owner doesn’t pay the City for contractor costs, a lien will be filed in the public records and placed against the property.
- Seek legal action through the Environmental Court.
Note: Property owners can appeal citations or property assessments for contractor costs within 30 days.
What areas of my property am I responsible for maintaining?
Property owners must maintain grass and vegetation inside and outside fences or walls, all the way to the street, including in the rights-of-way up to the street. Property owners are responsible for keeping grass below 12 inches in height and ensuring vegetation does not obstruct the safe passage of pedestrians, cyclists or motorists. Owner responsibilities include:
- Planting strips – the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street
- Areas outside privacy fences or walls, between owner-installed fencing and the street
- Backyards, side yards and berms that are adjacent to the street
Yard waste cannot be blown, placed or allowed to accumulate in public rights-of-way or areas that pedestrians would be expected to use to walk upon parallel to the roadway including public sidewalks. (Sections 7-105, 10-140, 10-155 and 10-156).
What is considered “tall” weeds and grass?
Grass, weeds and other vegetation cannot exceed 12 inches in height. (Section 10-155).
What if I receive a notice of violation (NOV) for tall weeds and grass, but I maintain a pollinator garden or naturalistic landscape?
You have 30 days after you receive a NOV for tall weeds and grass to register your maintained pollinator garden or naturalistic landscape with the City of Charlotte. Once eligible habitats are approved, your maintained garden can avoid enforcement action and prevent the need to remove the vegetation for as long as you own the property and meet the eligibility requirements. When you receive a NOV, you should contact the Code Enforcement Inspector assigned to your case to inform them of your intent to register your pollinator garden/naturalistic landscape and provide regular updates on your progress during the registration and approval process. Visit the Pollinator CLT Community webpage: Pollinator Habitat 2025 | CLT Community for information about the program and how to register maintained pollinator gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Note: The city’s program does not exempt property owners from HOA or other private-sector maintenance requirements.
What are curbside violations?
Examples of curbside violations include:
- Yard waste placed at curb too soon or improperly prepared
- Rollout carts placed at the curb too soon or not removed as required
- Unscheduled bulky items, bulky items that are not properly prepared, and scheduled bulky items placed at the curb before the allowed time
For details on how to properly dispose of yard waste and bulky items, call CharMeck 311 or visit Solid Waste Services.
I have bulky items to dispose of - How do I request a bulky item pickup and avoid fees?
Bulky waste can include furniture, mattresses, appliances and other large household items. In Charlotte city limits, bulky waste collection must be scheduled in advance by either scheduling online, calling 311, or using the CLT+ app. If you or your tenant place bulky items at the curb incorrectly prepared, without scheduling a pick-up, or more than 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up date, you can be subject to receiving a fine.
How do I avoid curbside violations for yard waste?
Set out yard waste no earlier than one day before your regular pickup day. Remove reusable containers from the curb the next day. Failure to do these two things could lead to a fine. Yard waste must be prepared correctly. If yard waste is not prepared correctly (such as using plastic bags instead of paper, debris piles that are too large and not properly spaced, branches or limbs that are too large, etc.), it will not be picked up and could lead to a fine if left at the curb too long. For details on current requirements to properly prepare yard waste visit Solid Waste Services.
What are some common Health & Sanitation violation fees?
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Violation
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Fee
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Rollout container curbside violation
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$ 150.00
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Yard waste
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$ 150.00
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Bulky and junk items
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$ 150.00
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Unauthorized accumulations
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$ 150.00
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Neglect of premise
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$ 150.00
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Illegal dumping
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$ 500.00
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Chronic/repeat offender
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$ 150.00 for the 1st – 3rd offenses, $250.00 for the 4th offense and $500.00 for the 5th and subsequent offenses
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What can I do about graffiti?
Charlotte’s anti-graffiti program focuses on prevention through education and enforcement. If you discover any form of graffiti, report the violation immediately by calling CharMeck 311, visiting CharMeck 311 online, or by using the CLT+ app.
Stickers placed on signs and other property can also be a nuisance like graffiti. Keep Charlotte Beautiful lends sticker removal kits to participants in the Adopt-A-City-Street Program – contact kcb@charlottenc.gov for more information.
What can I do about signs in my neighborhood?
Signs are not allowed in the following locations:
- On public property or within public rights-of-way, including medians
- Within 11 feet of any paved road, street or alley
- On any post, pole, tree, tree stake or guard, shrub, fire hydrant or anything else within 11 feet of the edge of the pavement
Code Enforcement personnel and their designees have the authority to remove and dispose of any sign or written material in any of these locations and responsible parties can be fined $100.00 per sign.
You can report illegal signs by calling CharMeck 311 or using the CLT+ app.
What can I do about litter in my community?
Residents can report litter concerns by either calling 311, submitting an online request at charlottenc.gov/311, or by downloading the CLT+ app to submit a request from their mobile device.
Additionally, the Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) Program provides volunteer opportunities for residents, neighborhood, community, and affinity groups, non-profit organizations and businesses to help fight litter through the Adopt-A-City-Street, Adopt-A-Stream, Adopt-A-Stop, and other programs. KCB also provides litter pickup supplies (trash bags, litter pickers, gloves, safety vests). Learn more about KCB online.
ABANDONED/JUNK MOTOR VEHICLES
Vehicle violations fall into three categories:
- Abandoned: Vehicles left on a city street or right-of-way for more than seven days, on City property longer than 24 hours or on private property without the owner’s permission.
- Safety/Health Hazard: Vehicles with trash or junk inside or around the vehicles, broken windows, surfaces of exposed glass/metal, breeding ground for rodents, etc.
- Junked: Inoperable vehicles that do not display a current license plate, have flat tires, are damaged, wrecked, etc. Property owners are allowed to keep one “junk” vehicle provided it is covered with an acceptable car cover and is located at the rear of the property. A tarp is not an acceptable car cover.
If your vehicle is towed and you want to reclaim it, you are required to pay the towing and storage fees to the City of Charlotte. If you have questions on how to reclaim your vehicle, call 704-336-3380.
Parking on the Lawn
Chapter 14 of the city’s ordinance bans parking on the front lawn and side lawn of corner lots. Vehicles should be parked on an approved parking pad (approved means surfaced with concrete, asphalt, gravel or any other material commonly used, but not including grass or dirt). Vehicles found in violation will be given a $25 citation for each occurrence.
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KEEPING HOMES SAFE
Charlotte’s Minimum Housing Code sets basic standards that landlords, tenants and homeowners must follow to ensure their residential properties are in a safe and clean condition. Examples of common Housing violations include inoperable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, broken windows and electrical, mechanical, plumbing and structural issues.
The City conducts inspections of housing violations in response to:
- Tenant request
- Referral from a public agency
- Citizen petition
- Field Observation
How do I report a housing violation for the apartment or home that I am renting?
Tenants can report housing code violations for the unit they are renting by calling CharMeck 311.
What will happen after I report a violation?
Within three business days of receiving a complaint, a Code Enforcement Inspector will attempt to contact the owner or tenant to schedule an inspection. Based on the findings of the inspection, the Inspector will determine if the unit needs to be ordered repaired or demolished.
Owners are legally notified and given a time frame to bring their property into compliance. If demolition is ordered, the owner may still choose to make repairs within the time allowed.
Property owners have the right to appeal an inspector’s findings to the Housing Appeals Board, and the parties of interest will be notified of any hearings scheduled.
What if the problem is not fixed within the time allowed?
The below Code Enforcement actions are available if the violations are not fixed within the time allowed:
- Issue civil penalties
- In rem action - City Council approval for repair or demolition
- Cite to environmental court
What are my rights and responsibilities as a tenant?
The city publishes a Guide to Renting and Tenant Rights. The guide provides information about all stages of renting a dwelling unit, including tenant rights and responsibilities, the code enforcement process, dispute resolution, eviction resources, and more.
I’ve noticed what appears to be a neglected or abandoned home in my neighborhood that needs repair. What can I do?
- Housing Resources: The City encourages residents to build relationships with their neighbors. In so doing, if you learn that the property owner may need assistance – for example, a senior citizen living on a small, fixed income – please refer to the Housing Resources section of this content. You may be able to help connect the owner with support and services.
- Code Enforcement: Residents who do not live in the dwelling can submit a petition to the Code Enforcement Office asking for an inspection. The petition must be signed by five Charlotte residents, 18 years of age or older. Petitions must include the name, address, phone number and signature for each petitioner, and the reasons that the inspection is being requested.
Signed petitions must be mailed or delivered to:
City of Charlotte Housing & Neighborhood Services
Code Enforcement Division
600 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
If I submit a housing code complaint or petition, is my information public?
By law, petitions and code inspection requests are public records. While the city does not publish this information, we are required to provide the information if we receive a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Residents submitting complaints can choose to remain anonymous at the time that they submit their request (anonymous requests do not apply to petitions).
Boarded-up Structure Requirements
To keep neighborhoods and citizens safe, Charlotte’s Boarded Up Registration Ordinance requires vacant homes to be boarded up properly and kept free of trespassers, crime and fire hazards.
What should I do if I own a boarded-up home?
Boarded-up properties must be registered with the City within 48 hours of boarding. Failure to do so may result in civil penalties. A property can remain boarded for a six-month period. All ways to enter or leave a unoccupied structure, including without limitation, windows and doors, must be boarded. Property owners can register boarded-up structures at Code Cases - City of Charlotte. (City Code, Sections 5-1 – 5-10).
BUILDING IN THE RIGHT PLACE
The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regulates uses and structures allowed in the city to protect and promote public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Without the UDO, a night club might be built next to a school or a factory next to a residence. Zoning prevents this by ensuring that uses are compatible and any impacts on surrounding properties are mitigated.
When is a Zoning Inspection Required by Code Enforcement?
The following Permits require inspectors to visit a site and determine if its use meets zoning guidelines:
- ZONING USE PERMITS (issued by the City of Charlotte) – These include accessory buildings and structures, group homes, family care homes, childcare in a residence, ABC permits, home occupation permits, sign permits, and temporary use permits. The zoning use permit can be obtained at the Charlotte Development Center at 600 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
- BUILDING PERMITS (issued by Mecklenburg County) - These permits are issued by Mecklenburg County and require City of Charlotte zoning inspections when there is a need to verify specific identified standards such as setback requirements (distance from the property line) or to verify a use. Building permits can be obtained at 2145 Suttle Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208.
Do I need a permit for an accessory structure?
Accessory structures may either require a building permit issued by Mecklenburg County, or a zoning use permit issued by the City of Charlotte.
A structure that is twelve feet (12’) or less in size for any wall of the structure (width or height) does not require a building permit, but will require a zoning use permit. Conversely, an accessory structure that is greater than 12’ in size for any wall of the structure (width or height) requires a building permit.
A zoning use permit does not require an inspection by a Mecklenburg County Building Trades inspector since it is not subject to compliance with local building codes.
The City of Charlotte Housing & Neighborhood Services Code Enforcement Inspector is responsible for inspections related to a zoning use permit.
NOTE: The City does not have the authority to conduct any building permit inspections or to amend the building permit process - this authority belongs solely to Mecklenburg County and the North Carolina General Assembly.
Do I need a zoning permit for temporary structures like tents, construction trailers, mobile food units or mobile detailers?
Yes, zoning use permits are required for certain temporary property improvements that are not subject to local building codes but are subject to zoning requirements and/or development standards. The zoning use permit can be obtained at the Charlotte Development Center at 600 East 4th Street.
What if I suspect a zoning violation in my neighborhood?
Citizens may request a zoning inspection by calling CharMeck 311.
Some of the most common citizen zoning complaints include:
- Operating a business without a permit
- Operating a business from a residence or other area where it isn’t allowed
- Operating certain types of businesses too close to residential districts or properties
- Large commercial vehicles parked in residential districts
- New construction, building additions and improvements done without a Mecklenburg County Building Permit
- Accessory structures - Examples include sheds, carports, detached garages, gazebos, swimming pools
- Property use not allowed by its Zoning classification
- Business signs erected or installed without a sign permit
- Property improvements that ignore setback/yard requirements
- Too many unlicensed vehicles parked on a property
- Operation of a group home without a zoning use permit including being too close to one another
- Operation of an in-home childcare without a zoning use permit
What happens after I request a zoning inspection?
An inspector will determine if a violation exists. If so, the property owner will be identified through Mecklenburg County real estate records and a Notice of Violation (NOV) is sent describing the violations and what must be done to correct the violation. The time allowed may vary
depending upon the circumstance. If conditions are not corrected within the allowed time, a citation may be issued. Zoning penalties increase with continued failure to obey the ordinance.
Property owners may appeal a zoning NOV to the UDO Board of Adjustment. View a complete copy of the UDO.
PROTECTING BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYEES
Charlotte’s Non-Residential Building Code makes sure that commercial structures – offices, factories, retail and warehouse centers, restaurants, etc. – are safe and sanitary. Long term, it helps make Charlotte a great place to live and work, enforcing standards for the healthy upkeep of places where many of us spend our time.
How are Non-Residential Code Violations reported?
Citizens, including building tenants, can report commercial buildings that appear unsafe and deteriorating by calling CharMeck 311. Additionally, inspections can also occur through public agency referrals (police, fire and health departments, etc.) and field observations by inspectors.
What happens after I report an unsafe commercial building?
Within three business days of receiving a request, an inspector will attempt to contact the owner or tenant to schedule an inspection. Based on their findings, the inspector will determine if a structure needs to be ordered repaired or demolished.
Owners are legally notified and given a time frame to bring their property into compliance. If demolition is ordered, the owner may still choose to make repairs within the time allowed.
Property owners have the right to appeal an inspector’s findings to the Housing Appeals Board and the parties of interest will be notified of any hearings scheduled.
What if the violations are not fixed within the time allowed?
The following Code Enforcement actions are available if the violations are not fixed within the time allowed:
- Issue civil penalties
- In rem action, City Council approval for repair or demolition
- Cite to environmental court
OUTDOOR AMPLIFICATION AND MUSIC AT COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS
Noise ordinance complaints are made by calling 911.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) will monitor noise decibel levels using a sound level meter and decide if there is a violation. The officer at his or her discretion may issue a warning or a citation if a violation exists.
If a property owner continually violates the ordinance, it is at CMPD’s discretion to label them a chronic noise producer. Chronic noise producers will be referred to the city’s Code Enforcement division and will be required to develop and adhere to a noise mitigation plan.
For additional information and a copy of the complete noise ordinance, visit CMPD.
ILLEGAL PARKING ENFORCEMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE CITY LIMITS
The Code Enforcement Quality of Life (QoL) team enforces sections of chapter 14 that are outside of the normal nuisance enforcement for parking on the lawn. Parking enforcement can only be enforced on a public street within the city limits. If the street is privately maintained, a violation cannot be cited. To check if a street is privately maintained the inspector will utilize the overlay for privately maintained roads on Polaris.
What are the main parking violations the QoL team looks for?
- To park any vehicle on a street and/or city property or right -of-way along the street at any time except when engaged in loading and unloading.
- To stop, stand or park a vehicle within any public bicycle path.
- Blocking or obstructing public bicycle paths
What code violations can I report?
Below are examples of code violations that can be reported:
- Neglect of a premise
- Abandoned, hazardous or junk motor vehicles
- Improper placement of signs
- Tall weeds and grass
- Graffiti
- Litter
- Vehicles parked on front lawn
- Vacant property that isn’t boarded up properly
- Minimum Housing Code violations
- Noise ordinance violations (call 911)
- Commercial vehicle parking in residential areas
- Unsafe commercial buildings
How do I report a code violation?
- Housing Violations. Tenants can report minimum housing code violations in their rental unit by calling CharMeck 311.
- Noise Complaints. Noise violations are reported by calling 911.
- Other Violations. To report all other suspected code violations, you can call CharMeck 311 or submit your request online
- CLT+ App. Residents can also report many common code violations through the CLT+ app.
If you provide your name and phone number, the inspector will know who to call with questions and will be able to call you back with inspection results (Note: All code complaints are public information, but you can choose to submit complaints anonymously).
How do I search for Code Enforcement Cases?
Information about active and recently closed Code Enforcement cases is available online. You can find this information on Code Enforcement's website.
Where can I find the City of Charlotte ordinances?
Ordinances can be found online at City Codes, Ordinances and Resolutions - City of Charlotte.
Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) is a focus area of the city’s Code Enforcement division. KCB provides opportunities for residents, businesses, and organizations to make a difference in their communities through street adoptions, litter cleanups, bus stop adoptions and more. For more information visit KCB or contact kcb@charlottenc.gov.
Need assistance making repairs to your home? The City’s Housing Services Division and its partners offer a variety of programs for eligible homeowners, including:
For more information visit Housing Services.