What High Point Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

High Point is a mid-sized city in Guilford County, North Carolina, with about 114000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 39 ordinances across 11 categories that affect daily life in High Point.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: High Point regulates carports as accessory structures under Section 4.4 of the Development Ordinance. A residential accessory structure must be set back at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines (10 feet along an alley or rear lot abutting a street on through/reverse-frontage lots), must sit behind the front building line of the principal dwelling on lots under 2 acres, and the combined area of all accessory buildings cannot exceed 50 percent of the principal dwelling's gross floor area or 600 square feet, whichever is greater..

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for High Point for details.

Noise Ordinances

Amplified Music & Events: High Point regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events.

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for High Point for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: High Point's Development Ordinance does not impose a guests-per-bedroom cap on short-term rentals, but Section 4.4.5.M (Renting of Rooms) limits room rentals as accessory to a residential dwelling to a maximum of 2 tenants — renting to more than 2 tenants converts the use to a rooming house, which is regulated separately. Whole-home STRs fall back on the North Carolina State Building Code and Guilford County minimum housing standards rather than a city-imposed occupancy formula, consistent with NCGS 160D-1207(c) and Schroeder v.

Also covered: Noise Rules (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate), Insurance Requirements (permissive). See the full short-term rentals guide for High Point for details.

Landscaping Rules

Grass Height Limits: High Point enforces a maximum vegetation height of 12 inches on residential properties. Overgrown grass, weeds, and vegetation are considered public nuisances subject to enforcement action..

Also covered: Tree Trimming (moderate), Water Restrictions (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for High Point for details.

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Open burning in High Point is regulated by city ordinance and NC air quality rules. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited within the city limits.

Also covered: Fireworks (strict), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for High Point for details.

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: High Point regulates street parking throughout the city. Vehicles must not block traffic, driveways, fire hydrants, or crosswalks.

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for High Point for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: High Point's Development Ordinance limits fence heights in residential zones. Front yard fences are typically limited to 4 feet, while side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet, with some exceptions for corner lots..

Also covered: Permit Requirements (permissive), Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for High Point for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: High Point requires dogs to be on a leash or under direct control when off the owner's private property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment.

Also covered: Beekeeping (moderate), Exotic Pets (strict), Breed Restrictions (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for High Point for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Home-based businesses in High Point are not permitted to display exterior signage. The Development Ordinance prohibits any signs, advertisements, or displays related to home occupations that are visible from outside..

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for High Point for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: High Point requires all swimming pools to have a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. The city follows the NC Building Code and International Residential Code requirements..

Also covered: Safety Rules (strict), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for High Point for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: High Point participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and regulates construction in FEMA flood zones. Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas requires floodplain development permits and elevation certificates..

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in High Point, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.