Cleveland County, NC Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

6-1 names the code enforcement officer, appointed by the county manager on behalf of the board of commissioners, as "the chief administrative and enforcement official" for the chapter. It grants a specific list of powers: to investigate dwelling and building conditions to determine which are unfit for human habitation and dangerous; to act with other public and private agencies to rehabilitate deteriorated housing; to keep inspection records and an inventory of substandard dwellings; to administer oaths and examine witnesses; and, critically, a right of entry "to enter upon and within premises and dwellings for the purpose of making examinations and investigations," carried out in a manner causing the least possible inconvenience to occupants.

6-2 turns that power into a mutual obligation: the officer may enter, examine and survey all dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises, including abandoned structures, at all reasonable times, and the owner or occupant "shall give the officer free access" for that purpose. The same section requires occupants to give the owner or the owner's agent access to make repairs needed to comply with the article or a lawful order. 6-3: a preliminary investigation, a served complaint, and a hearing set not less than ten nor more than thirty days out, with owners entitled to file an answer and appear with testimony.

6-11 shields officers and board of adjustment members from personal liability for acts taken in the discharge of these duties, with the county defending any resulting suit.