Scaffold erection in Mecklenburg County follows NC State Building Code (OSHA-aligned) with inspection by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. Commercial scaffolds over 10 ft require engineered plans and permits; residential short-term scaffolds typically exempt if under 125 sq ft platform and under 30 days.
Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement enforces the North Carolina State Building Code, which incorporates OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L for construction scaffolding. Scaffolds over 10 feet require guardrails, toeboards, and secure footing. Mobile scaffolds must have locking casters. Any scaffold encroaching on public right-of-way in unincorporated Mecklenburg requires a right-of-way encroachment permit from Mecklenburg County LUESA. Inspections are required before occupancy for commercial projects. Scaffolds adjacent to pedestrian walkways must include overhead protection. The City of Charlotte (CLT) enforces the same NC State Building Code within city limits through its own Code Enforcement division.
Stop-work orders issued for unsafe scaffolding. Fines range from 100 to 500 dollars per day plus potential OSHA citations up to 15,625 dollars per serious violation.
See how Mecklenburg County's scaffold & sidewalk shed rules stack up against other locations.
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