Inquiries are often made to members of the Homeowner’s Association by neighbors with regards to city governance of residential properties.  There are several city codes that regulate residential properties.  A complete listing of these city codes can be found on the Website www.municode.com.  Upon reaching this page, you will use the tool bar on the left of your screen to click on Online Library then you will locate our state, North Carolina, and press GO.  This function will take you to a page from which you will choose Charlotte Code of Ordinances.  Within this page, you can search for various terms and topics and find out for yourself what is allowed on your and others’ property. 

One common complaint is that houses, and their surrounding property, are allowed to fall into disrepair.  While there are no codes saying that houses must be kept in mint condition, there are regulations that deal with a building’s structural integrity and yard maintenance.  The regulation of lot maintenance falls under the jurisdiction of City Community Improvements (704.336.2907) while regulation of housing and structural issues falls under the jurisdiction of City Community Development (704.336.3380).

To file a complaint about either of these issues, or any other problem you feel is pertinent, call the City Wide Complaint Line at 704.336.7600.  Inspectors should come out within a week to assess the problem.  If a property owner is found to be in violation of any codes, the city will follow the allotted course for notification and reconciliation of the offence.

General Knowledge:

Chapter 11 section 84 deals with  Property Maintenance:

· Weeds must be kept to under 12 inches.

· Building structure. The building structure of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall be maintained as follows:

• Exterior wood surfaces not inherently resistant to deterioration shall be treated with a protective coating of paint or other suitable preservative with sufficient frequency to prevent deterioration.

• Floors, walls, ceilings, and fixtures shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

· Open areas. Open areas shall be maintained as follows:

• Surface and subsurface water shall be appropriately drained to protect buildings and structures and to prevent development of stagnant ponds.

• Fences and other accessory buildings shall be maintained in safe and substantial condition or demolished.

• Yards and courts shall be kept clean and free of physical hazards, rubbish, trash, garbage, junked vehicles, vehicle parts and other similar material.

• There shall be no heavy undergrowth or accumulation of plant growth which is noxious or detrimental to health.

· Infestation. Grounds, buildings and structures shall be maintained free of infestation by rodents, insects and other pests.

· Garbage and rubbish. There shall be adequate sanitary facilities and methods used for the storage, handling, and disposal of garbage and rubbish.

Chapter 11 section 46 states that Abandoned Structures become unlawful when any of the following conditions are present:

• Attraction of insects or rodents

• Conditions creating a fire hazard

• Dangerous conditions constituting a threat to children

• Frequent use by vagrants as living quarters in the absence of sanitary facilities

Article II of Chapter 17 addresses Soil Erosion and Control Requirements.  These  ordinances are often be very strict  about drainage and flow rates.  Exact figures and formulas can be in that section of the Code of Ordinances.