Moving to Matthews, NC? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Matthews, North Carolina may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 13 tracked ordinances across 9 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Matthews and throughout North Carolina. NC has not legalized recreational or medical marijuana.

Also covered: Dispensary Zoning (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Matthews for details.

Sign Regulations

Political Signs: Matthews permits political signs on private property without permit. N.C.G.S.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Matthews follows NCGS 14-410 restricting consumer fireworks to ground-based sparkling devices only. Sparklers, fountains, and snakes are legal; all aerial fireworks, firecrackers, and Roman candles are illegal statewide..

Also covered: Wildfire Zones (permissive). See the full fire regulations guide for Matthews for details.

Parking Rules

Abandoned Vehicles: Matthews enforces NCGS 20-137.7 and 160A-303 for abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left on public streets over 7 days or on private property without owner consent over 24 hours may be tagged, towed, and sold at auction..

Also covered: Overnight Parking (permissive). See the full parking rules guide for Matthews for details.

Solar Energy

HOA Restrictions: NCGS 22B-20 prohibits HOAs from banning solar collectors on detached single-family homes. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic standards regarding location but cannot effectively prevent solar installation..

Building Safety

Lead Paint: Matthews follows federal EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule for pre-1978 homes. NC DHHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program enforces state lead hazard rules under NCGS 130A-131.5 et seq..

Rental Property Rules

Rent Control: North Carolina prohibits local rent control under NCGS 42-14.1. Matthews cannot cap rental rates or impose rent stabilization.

Also covered: Rental Registration (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Matthews for details.

Noise Ordinances

Vehicle Noise: Vehicle noise in Matthews is regulated under state law N.C.G.S. 20-128 requiring functional mufflers, plus local provisions prohibiting loud exhaust, revving, and audio systems plainly audible at 50 feet..

Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rental Permits: Matthews does not have a dedicated STR registration program as of 2026. NCGS 160D-1207(c) limits municipal authority to require STR registration.

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Matthews. For any rule that directly affects a decision you are making, click through to the full ordinance page for penalty details and exceptions, and confirm with the city if the stakes are high.