Minimum Housing Code

​​​Minimum Housing Code

The City of Charlotte Housing Code requires homeowners and landlords to maintain their homes/ properties to a minimum standard.  The code may also be applied to abandoned commercial structures.  

Code inspectors check dwellings to ensure the structure meets the minimum standards prescribed by the ordinance​. Violations can range from repairable situations, such as broken windows, to major structural integrity issues. Based on the estimated cost of repairs to the structure, inspectors will issue an order to either repair or demolish a structure. If demolition of a structure is ordered, the owner has the opportunity to make repairs.

Read the Housing Ordinance (Chapter 11)
View Housing Code cases

Inspection Process

  • A Code Enforcement inspector will request an inspection of the structure within three business days, following a complaint.
  • The inspector will contact the property owner with the inspection results.
  • In addition, the owner and complainant will be notified of scheduled hearings regarding the property.

Tenants who believe minimum housing code violations exist in their home should call 311 to request an inspection.

Inspection requests, by residents who do not live in the dwelling, requires a petition signed by five residents of the City of Charlotte, 18 years of age or older. Print and complete the petitionand mail or deliver the completed petition to the address indicated.


Updates to the Housing Ordinance (Chapter 11)

On October 14, 2019, Charlotte City Council approved revisions to the Housing Ordinance (Chapter 11). The amendments will become effective on January 1, 2020.  Revisions to the Housing Ordinance include:

  • Strengthen Standards of Fitness for Places of Habitation by adding provisions regarding items such as: space and use (interior doors and door hardware), light and ventilation, plumbing, heating facilities, structural, property maintenance for cabinetry and clothes dryers, and requiring existing cooling systems to be operational and maintained.
  • Change civil penalties from $100 the first day after non-compliance and $10 each additional day, to $100 per day beginning the day after non-compliance.

 

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