Matthews's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Matthews, North Carolina, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Breed Restrictions
Matthews has no breed-specific legislation; dangerous dog determinations follow behavior-based standards under N.C.G.S. 67-4.1 and the Mecklenburg County dangerous-dog process.
Key details: Breed Ban: None. State Law: N.C.G.S. 67-4.1. Standard: Behavior-based. Insurance: $100,000 if declared. Appeal: CMACC board.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Matthews is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
Pet Limits
Matthews and Mecklenburg County limit households to a combined total of typically 5 dogs and cats over 4 months of age, with kennel licensing required above that threshold.
Key details: Household Limit: 5 dogs/cats combined. Age: Over 4 months. Licensing: CMACC annual. Rabies: N.C.G.S. 130A-185. Excess: Requires kennel permit.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Dog Leash Laws
Matthews requires dogs to be leashed or under physical restraint whenever off the owner's property, enforced through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control under the countywide animal ordinance.
Key details: Leash Max: 6 feet. Voice Control: Not permitted. First Fine: $50. Enforcement: CMACC. Off-Leash: Designated parks only.
First offense $50, second $100, third $250, plus impoundment fees.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Matthews actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.
Exotic Pets
Matthews prohibits keeping wild and exotic animals in residential areas, adopting the Mecklenburg County exotic animal restrictions which ban venomous reptiles, large cats, primates, and similar species.
Key details: Banned: Big cats, primates, bears. Snakes: Over 8 ft constrictors banned. Allowed: Ferrets, small reptiles. Venomous: N.C.G.S. 14-417. Penalty: $500 to $2,500.
Seizure of animal, $500 to $2,500 fines, possible misdemeanor charges.
Compared to other cities, Matthews takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Wildlife Feeding
Matthews discourages feeding of wildlife through nuisance and rabies-prevention provisions, with specific prohibitions on feeding deer in the countywide ordinance and on feeding that attracts rats or bears.
Key details: Deer Feeding: Discouraged. Bird Feeders: Allowed with care. Nuisance: Prohibited. Enforcement: CMACC. Fine: $50 to $500.
Warning, then civil penalty $50 to $500 for repeat violations.
Chickens & Livestock
Matthews permits backyard chickens in single-family residential zones with limits on number, coop setbacks, and a prohibition on roosters within the town limits.
Key details: Allowed: Single-family zones. Hen Limit: 4 to 6 typical. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop Setback: 10 to 25 ft. HOA: May prohibit.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in Matthews residential zones subject to setback requirements in the UDO, with registration encouraged through the NC Department of Agriculture apiary inspection program.
Key details: Permitted: Residential zones. Setback: 10 to 25 ft typical. Flyway: 6 ft barrier. Registration: NCDA voluntary. HOA: May restrict.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Matthews is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Matthews, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Matthews can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.