Matthews's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Matthews, North Carolina, there are 5 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.

Garage Sale Rules

Matthews permits residential garage and yard sales without a permit, limited to 3 sales per household per year, each no more than 3 consecutive days. No sales on holidays that conflict with noise ordinance.

Key details: Permit: Not required. Frequency: 3 per year. Duration: 3 days max. Items: Personal goods only.

Exceeding frequency/duration treated as unpermitted home business. Civil penalty $50-$250. Chronic violations may require zoning compliance review.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Matthews has no ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow or ice from public sidewalks. Charlotte region snowfall is infrequent and Town Public Works handles priority routes.

Key details: Requirement: None. Town Routes: Priority roads. Residents: Voluntary. Liability: Common law only.

No citation for uncleared snow. Slip-and-fall liability generally rests with property owner under NC premises liability law if negligence proven.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Matthews gives residents more flexibility on snow & sidewalk clearing.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Matthews requires vacant lots maintained to same grass height and debris standards as occupied parcels. Overgrown vegetation exceeding 12 inches and trash accumulation subject to code enforcement.

Key details: Standard: Same as occupied. Grass: 12 inch max. Notice: 10 days. Remedy: Town abatement.

Mowing/cleanup non-compliance: Town abates with costs billed plus administrative fee. Tax lien filed if unpaid. Civil penalties $50-$500.

Trash Bin Storage

Matthews requires residential trash and recycling carts stored out of public view from the street when not scheduled for collection. Carts must be in good working order with closed lids.

Key details: Storage: Behind front building line. Lids: Must fully close. Damage: Free replacement. Dumpsters: Screening required.

Visibility violations: first offense warning, subsequent $50-$200 civil penalties. Chronic violations may be abated by the Town with costs billed to property.

Property Blight

Matthews enforces minimum property maintenance standards under Town Code Chapter 50 and N.C.G.S. 160A-441 et seq. Blighted conditions including dilapidated structures, debris, and overgrown lots subject to abatement.

Key details: Standard: Chapter 50 minimum. Notice: 10-30 days. Penalty: $50-$500/day. Abatement: Tax lien.

Civil penalties $50-$500 per day. Unsafe structures may be condemned under N.C.G.S. 160A-441. Tax liens for Town cleanup costs.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Matthews actively enforces its property blight requirements.

The Bottom Line

Matthews's property maintenance rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Matthews is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Matthews's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.