Help Shape Charlotte’s Housing Policies

The city is reviewing its Minimum Housing Code to ensure safe, healthy, and habitable housing for all residents, and we need your input. 
 

Why This Matters

The Housing Safety & Community Committee is reviewing the city's Minimum Housing Code to assess:
  • Current enforcement tools & legal constraints
  • Best practices from other NC cities
  • Potential process and policy updates
This process will help clarify what the city can and cannot do under current laws while gathering public feedback on solutions.
 

How You Can Get Involved

 
  • Attend the Community Meeting
    • Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
    • Belmont Center, 700 Parkwood Ave
  • Take the Survey 
  • Sign Up for Project Updates
 

Housing Code Data: The Big Picture

 
Charlotte enforces housing codes across 50,000+ properties every year. Here’s what we know about cases:
  • 7,500+ cases were opened last year 
  • 81% of cases are resolved within 215 days.
  • Persistent Cases: 150+ long-term multi-family cases remain open.
  • 99% of closed cases achieved compliance – but a few required demolition or city repair.

Key Issues Under Review

 
To improve housing enforcement, the city is evaluating:
  • Legal Framework – State laws that define what enforcement is possible.
  • Minimum Housing Code – Existing standards for structural integrity, plumbing, HVAC, and safety.
  • Inspection & Enforcement – Identifying high-risk properties & repeat violations.
  • Balancing Enforcement & Assistance – When to penalize, when to help property owners fix issues.

What Happens When Housing Code Is Violated?

The city uses different enforcement tools to ensure compliance:
  • Time Extensions (Low Displacement Impact) – Extra time for owners making repairs in good faith.
  • Civil Penalties (Low Displacement Impact) – Fines ($100/day) for non-compliance.
  • In Rem Demolition (High Displacement Impact) – City demolishes dangerous structures.
  • In Rem Repair (Moderate Displacement Impact) – City fixes violations and places a lien on the property.
  • Legal Action (Varies in Displacement Impact) – Environmental Court intervention for persistent violations.
Question for the Public: Are these enforcement tools effective? What changes would you like to see?
 

Exploring Alternatives: Incentives & Resources

Instead of penalties, Charlotte offers housing assistance programs for cooperative property owners:
  • Emergency Repair & Rehab – Helping homeowners fix unsafe conditions.
  • Property Sales to NOAH Providers – Preserving naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH).
  • Multi-Family Rehab Loans – Supporting renovations while maintaining affordability.
Question for the Public: Are these programs working? Should they be expanded?

 

Additional Resources & Background Information

 

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* Want to stay connected? Sign up for updates around this process.

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What category best describes you and/or the industry you represent? (Select all that apply)

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How familiar are you with the city's Minimum Housing Code Ordinance?

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Have you ever participated in a Minimum Housing Code Ordinance enforcement process?

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If YES, in what capacity?

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Have you been involved with a Housing Code Case as a tenant or owner/manager?

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Have you experienced displacement from a multi-family community or hotel/motel in Charlotte?

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What concerns do you have regarding the current Minimum Housing Code?

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What changes would you like to see in how the Code is enforced?

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What are your thoughts on displacement and the impact it has on the community?

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What resources and partnerships have you found helpful?

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What works/what's missing?

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What should the City prioritize or invest in to address these issues?