Mecklenburg County, NC Ordinances (2026)

Charlotte UDO Section 16 requires full-cutoff fixtures for parking lots and commercial uplighting, limiting skyglow. No formal dark-sky designation but lighting impact standards limit spillover. Mecklenburg County unincorporated follows similar standards for commercial.

Light trespass onto neighboring property in Mecklenburg County is limited to 0.1 to 10 footcandles at property line under Charlotte UDO Article 16. Complaints handled by Charlotte Code Enforcement. Persistent bright lights may also be treated as private nuisance under NC common law.

Mecklenburg County does not impose a statewide-style defensible space rule, but the county Nuisance Ordinance requires property owners to keep lots clear of excessive dry brush, weeds, and combustible debris that create fire hazards. Code Enforcement issues notices to abate.

Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Mecklenburg County for cooking, warmth, or ambiance if they use clean wood or gas, stay under 3 feet in diameter, are 25 feet from structures, and are constantly attended. Burning of yard waste is prohibited.

The North Carolina State Building Code requires smoke detectors in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor of dwellings in Mecklenburg County. New construction requires hardwired, interconnected detectors with battery backup.

Mecklenburg County is not in a federally designated high wildfire hazard zone, but the NC Forest Service identifies urban-wildland interface areas around Latta Nature Preserve, McDowell Nature Preserve, and the Catawba River corridor as elevated risk. Standard defensible space best practices apply.

Outdoor burning in Mecklenburg County is heavily restricted: open burning of leaves, yard waste, and trash is largely prohibited under NC Air Quality rules and the county Air Pollution Control Ordinance. Allowed burns run 8 AM to 6 PM, and fires near woodland need an NC Forest Service permit under NCGS 106-943.

Mecklenburg County allows recreational fire pits in unincorporated areas when fueled by clean wood or propane, kept under 3 feet in diameter, and placed at least 25 feet from structures. Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal enforces NC Fire Code provisions adopted countywide.

Only ground-based sparkling devices (sparklers, fountains, snakes, smoke) are legal in Mecklenburg County under NCGS 14-414. All aerial fireworks, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles are illegal. The County Fire Marshal and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police enforce violations.

Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet the NC Residential Code Appendix Q (dwellings 400 sq ft or less). Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be a permanent residence in most Mecklenburg County zoning districts.

Converting a garage to living space in Mecklenburg County requires a building permit, zoning review, and compliance with the NC Residential Code. Off-street parking replacement is typically required.

Carports in Mecklenburg County require a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks. Attached carports follow main-structure setbacks; detached carports follow accessory structure rules (typically 5 ft side/rear).

Sheds in Mecklenburg County under 12 feet tall and 144 square feet generally do not require a building permit but must meet zoning setbacks. Sheds larger than 144 sq ft or over 12 ft tall require a building permit from Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement.

Under Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) adopted 2023, accessory dwelling units are allowed on most single-family lots in the city. Unincorporated Mecklenburg follows county zoning, which permits ADUs in residential districts subject to size and owner-occupancy limits.

Recreational drone use in Mecklenburg County is governed primarily by FAA Part 107 and N.C.G.S. §15A-300.1 et seq. Drones are prohibited over Mecklenburg County Parks without a permit and within 5 miles of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) without LAANC authorization.

Commercial drone operation in Mecklenburg County requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. North Carolina's separate UAS Operators Permit (N.C.G.S. §63-95) was repealed effective December 1, 2024, so FAA certification is the only license required. CLT Class B airspace requires LAANC authorization.

Charlotte offers monthly curbside bulky item pickup for large household items including furniture, mattresses, and appliances (Freon removed). Mecklenburg County residents can also use four full-service recycling centers for bulk drop-off free with proof of residency.

Mecklenburg County residents receive trash collection from their municipality or from Mecklenburg County Solid Waste for unincorporated areas. Charlotte Solid Waste Services provides weekly curbside garbage pickup citywide with routes assigned by address.

Carts must be placed at the curb with wheels facing the house and at least 3 feet of clearance from mailboxes, vehicles, and other carts. Charlotte requires carts stored out of street view between collections per Code Chapter 10.

Mecklenburg County mandates recycling in Charlotte and has adopted a countywide commercial recycling ordinance. Charlotte provides bi-weekly 96-gallon curbside recycling, and businesses generating recyclables must contract for service per County Code Chapter 12.

Building permits are required from Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement for fences exceeding 8 feet, fences on commercial properties, and any fence in a watershed protected overlay district. Permits cost 75 dollars for residential and require a site plan.

North Carolina has no Good Neighbor Fence Act requiring cost-sharing. Under NCGS 68-7, each property owner is responsible for their own boundary fence. Livestock-fence statute NCGS 68-16 applies in rural Mecklenburg areas where owners must contain animals.

All residential swimming pools in unincorporated Mecklenburg County must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing and self-latching gates under NC State Building Code Appendix G. Gaps may not exceed 4 inches and latches must be 54 inches above grade.

Unincorporated Mecklenburg County limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots require lower heights in sight triangles. Fences over 8 feet require a building permit from Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement.

Wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain-link, and masonry fences are permitted in unincorporated Mecklenburg County. The finished side must face outward toward neighboring properties. Barbed wire and electric fences are restricted to agricultural zones.

Corner lots in unincorporated Mecklenburg County must maintain a 25-foot by 25-foot sight triangle clear of fences, walls, or hedges exceeding 30 inches in height. Violations create traffic-hazard liability and are enforced by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement.

Garage sale signs in Charlotte are allowed on private property and must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Signs in public rights-of-way or utility poles are prohibited under Charlotte Code §13.

Holiday and seasonal decorations on private property are not regulated by Mecklenburg County or Charlotte beyond general nuisance standards. Temporary holiday lighting and displays are exempt from sign ordinance size limits under Charlotte Code §13.

Political signs in Mecklenburg County are permitted on private property with owner consent and in public rights-of-way 45 days before elections through 10 days after, per N.C.G.S. §136-32. Content-based size limits were struck by Reed v. Town of Gilbert.

Intentional feeding of deer, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons in unincorporated Mecklenburg County is discouraged and may be cited as a public nuisance. Bird feeding is allowed but must not attract bears or large mammals. NC Wildlife Resources Commission rules (15A NCAC 10B) apply statewide.

Mecklenburg County prohibits possession of inherently dangerous exotic animals including big cats, non-human primates, venomous reptiles, and bears under County Ordinance Section 3-102. Violations can result in seizure and Class 3 misdemeanor charges.

Unincorporated Mecklenburg County limits households to a combined total of 5 dogs and cats over 4 months old without a kennel permit. Kennel licenses require a 500 dollar annual fee and zoning review for lots under 1 acre.

Mecklenburg County requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet whenever off the owner's property under the County Animal Care and Control Ordinance. Violations carry significant fines and are enforced countywide including unincorporated areas.

Mecklenburg County does not impose breed-specific legislation but enforces a Dangerous Dog classification under NCGS 67-4.1 through 67-4.5. Dogs declared dangerous require muzzling in public, secure enclosures, and 100,000 dollar liability insurance.

Unincorporated Mecklenburg County allows backyard chickens on residential lots of 20,000 square feet or more. Up to 10 hens are permitted. Roosters are prohibited on lots under 2 acres. Coops must be 25 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Beekeeping is permitted in unincorporated Mecklenburg County on lots of 10,000 square feet or more. Hives must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines and screened with a 6-foot flyway barrier. Registration with the NC Department of Agriculture is required.

Driveway design in Mecklenburg County follows Charlotte Land Development Standards Manual and NCDOT driveway permit rules. Residential driveways must be paved within 25 ft of public right-of-way. Maximum width 24 ft for single-family. Driveway permits required for new curb cuts.

Charlotte UDO and Mecklenburg County Zoning prohibit parking of commercial vehicles over 12,000 lbs GVWR in residential zones except for active loading or up to 2 hours. One commercial vehicle under 10,000 lbs allowed if owner-operated.

Abandoned vehicles on public or private property in Mecklenburg County are regulated by NCGS 20-137.6 through 20-137.14 and Charlotte City Code Chapter 14. Vehicles unattended over 7 days on public street or without valid registration may be towed.

Overnight parking is generally permitted on Mecklenburg County and Charlotte residential streets subject to the 72-hour rule. No overnight parking in park-and-ride lots or Charlotte city parks after 11 PM without permit.

Mecklenburg County and Charlotte actively support EV charging. Charlotte Strategic Energy Action Plan targets 500 public chargers by 2030. Residential Level 2 charger installation requires electrical permit but no zoning review. HOAs cannot unreasonably prohibit per emerging NC guidance.

Mecklenburg County UDO limits RV and boat storage on residential lots. Charlotte UDO 12.505 allows one RV or boat in a side or rear yard on residential lots, fully screened. Front yard storage is prohibited. HOAs commonly ban visible RV storage entirely.

Street parking in unincorporated Mecklenburg County is governed by NCGS Chapter 20 and Mecklenburg Traffic Code. Most residential roads have no time limit but parking within 15 ft of a fire hydrant or 25 ft of an intersection is prohibited. Charlotte has metered zones uptown with 2-hour limits.

Home daycare in unincorporated Mecklenburg County requires NC DHHS licensure under NCGS 110-86 and a county home occupation zoning clearance. Family child care homes (up to 8 children) are allowed in residential districts subject to state licensing standards, zoning compliance, and Mecklenburg Fire Marshal inspection.

Home occupations in Mecklenburg County are permitted in residential zones under the Charlotte UDO and county zoning ordinance. Businesses must be conducted inside the dwelling, be clearly incidental, and not alter the residential character.

Home occupation signage in Mecklenburg County is highly restricted. Under the Charlotte UDO and county zoning, home businesses in residential zones generally cannot display exterior commercial signs. A small name plate may be allowed.

North Carolina allows home cottage food production under NCGS Chapter 106 and NC Department of Agriculture rules. No state revenue cap applies. Mecklenburg County producers must register with NCDA and Consumer Services and follow labeling rules.

Mecklenburg County requires a home occupation zoning permit for any business operated from a residence in the unincorporated jurisdiction. No external evidence of business, no more than 25 percent of the home used, and no non-resident employees permitted under the Mecklenburg Zoning Ordinance.

Mecklenburg County home occupation rules limit customer visits to protect residential character. Charlotte UDO generally allows a limited number of daily client visits by appointment only. Group classes and retail sales on site are prohibited.

Mecklenburg County is a FEMA floodplain management community with extensive mapping along Catawba River, Yadkin tributaries, McAlpine Creek, Sugar Creek, and Little Sugar Creek. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Flood Control Ordinance requires lowest floor 2 ft above Base Flood Elevation (higher than FEMA minimum).

Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services enforces one of the most comprehensive stormwater programs in NC under Charlotte-Mecklenburg Post-Construction Controls Ordinance. All new development over 24 percent impervious requires water quality BMPs. Stream buffers 35 to 100 ft mandatory.

Mecklenburg County is a delegated Erosion and Sedimentation Control authority under NCGS 113A-50 et seq. Land disturbance over 20,000 sq ft requires an approved E and SC plan and permit. Silt fence, seeding, and inspections mandatory.

Grading in Mecklenburg County requires a Land Development permit if disturbing over 20,000 sq ft. Drainage must not create adverse impact on downstream neighbors per Charlotte City Code Chapter 18. Direct discharge to neighbor property prohibited.

Mecklenburg County and Charlotte permit garage sales without a permit, limited to a small number of sales per year and daytime hours. Charlotte Code §6-172 allows up to 4 garage sales per calendar year per household.

Mecklenburg County has no ordinance requiring residents to clear snow or ice from public sidewalks. Charlotte encourages voluntary clearing and treats property owners as not liable for natural accumulations under North Carolina common law.

Trash and recycling carts must be stored behind the front building line of the home between collections. Charlotte Code Chapter 10 and Mecklenburg County property maintenance standards prohibit carts visibly stored in front yards or driveways visible from the street.

Vacant lots in Mecklenburg County must be maintained free of overgrown vegetation (grass above 12 inches), debris, and standing water. Charlotte Code §10-201 authorizes city abatement with costs assessed against the property owner.

Mecklenburg County and Charlotte enforce minimum housing and nuisance ordinances targeting blighted properties. Charlotte Code Chapter 11 Minimum Housing Code authorizes demolition of unfit structures and civil penalties up to $500 per day.

Commercial and industrial noise limits in unincorporated Mecklenburg County are 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime at residential property lines. Loading docks, HVAC, and refrigeration units must be screened or baffled near residential zones.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) operations are federally preempted under 49 USC 40103 and cannot be regulated by Mecklenburg County. CLT operates a voluntary noise abatement program with preferred runway use and noise-compatibility land-use planning administered by the airport authority.

Construction in unincorporated Mecklenburg County is generally permitted 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday with no Sunday work before 10 AM. Emergency utility repairs are exempt. Permits from Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) are required for major construction.

Modified exhaust, loud stereos audible at 50 feet, and engine revving in residential areas violate both the County Noise Ordinance and NCGS 20-128 (muffler requirements). CMPD conducts enforcement especially along Independence Boulevard and Billy Graham Parkway corridors.

Unincorporated Mecklenburg County follows the County Noise Ordinance with quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM on weeknights and 11 PM to 8 AM on weekends. Residential limits are 60 dBA day and 55 dBA night measured at the property line. Violations are enforced by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

Unincorporated Mecklenburg County has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Gas and electric blowers are allowed during general construction and landscaping hours of 7 AM to 9 PM. HOAs in suburban developments frequently impose stricter time windows.

Amplified music audible beyond 50 feet from the source between 11 PM and 7 AM violates the Mecklenburg County Noise Ordinance. Outdoor events require a special event permit from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation or LUESA when held on non-residential property.

Chronic barking dogs in unincorporated Mecklenburg County violate the County Noise Ordinance and Animal Care and Control rules when barking is continuous for 10 minutes or intermittent for 30 minutes. CMPD Animal Care and Control handles enforcement.

Door-to-door solicitors in Charlotte must obtain a Peddler/Solicitor Permit from the City Revenue Division and carry identification. Charlotte Code §6-162 sets solicitation hours of 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and prohibits contact with No Soliciting households.

Charlotte Code §6-163 prohibits door-to-door solicitors from approaching any residence displaying a No Soliciting sign. Violation is a civil penalty of $100 and can result in permit revocation for repeat offenses.

Cannabis dispensaries are illegal in Mecklenburg County because North Carolina has no medical or recreational marijuana program. No retail cannabis zoning exists. Hemp and CBD retailers operate under state hemp law but are not dispensaries.

Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Mecklenburg County. North Carolina has not legalized medical or recreational marijuana; cultivation of any amount is a felony under N.C.G.S. §90-95. Only low-THC hemp (under 0.3% delta-9 THC) is legal under federal and state law.

NCGS 22B-20 preempts HOA solar bans in Mecklenburg County. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic placement rules but cannot prohibit installation or substantially increase cost. Disputes resolved through NC Planned Community Act NCGS Chapter 47F.

Solar installation in Mecklenburg County requires building and electrical permits but no zoning review for residential roof-mount. NCGS 22B-20 preempts HOA and local bans on solar collectors. Charlotte and Mecklenburg issue solar permits in 10 business days.

HOA assessments in Mecklenburg County are a lien on the property under NCGS 47F-3-116. Associations may foreclose non-judicially for unpaid assessments but must first provide 15 days written notice and board authorization.

Architectural Review Committees in Mecklenburg County HOAs must act on applications within the timeframe set by the declaration, typically 30-60 days. NCGS 47F-3-102(a) requires rules to be enforceable and consistent with the declaration.

NCGS 7A-38.3F requires pre-litigation mediation for most HOA disputes in Mecklenburg County other than assessment collection. Either party may initiate mediation by written demand; failure to participate may result in attorney fee sanctions.

HOAs in Mecklenburg County may impose fines up to 100 dollars per violation per day under NCGS 47F-3-107.1 after a hearing before an adjudicatory panel of uninterested owners. Owner entitled to 10 days written notice.

Mecklenburg County HOAs operate under the NC Planned Community Act, NCGS Chapter 47F. Boards must hold annual meetings, give proper notice, keep minutes, and allow owners to inspect records. Quorum and voting rules follow the declaration.

Mecklenburg County limits residential occupancy under NC State Building Code to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional. Group gatherings above that count may trigger special event permitting and NC fire code assembly thresholds.

Mecklenburg County does not mandate a specific STR insurance limit, but standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial rental activity. Operators should carry commercial STR liability of 1-2 million dollars and confirm smoke and CO detector compliance required by NCGS 143-138.

Mecklenburg County does not operate an STR registration program. Under NCGS 160D-1207 the county may not require rental registration absent property-specific violations. Tax account registration with the Mecklenburg Tax Collector is the only mandatory filing.

STR parking in unincorporated Mecklenburg County must be on-site; no on-street overnight parking on unimproved shoulders. Guest vehicles counted toward driveway capacity under the county zoning ordinance.

Mecklenburg County does not impose a minimum or maximum night cap on STR bookings in unincorporated areas. NCGS 160D-1207 preempts registration-based night caps.

Mecklenburg County levies an 8 percent Room Occupancy Tax on STR stays under 90 days, on top of 4.75 percent NC state sales tax and 2.5 percent local sales tax. Total tax burden on Charlotte-area STRs reaches approximately 15.25 percent.

STR guests in unincorporated Mecklenburg County must comply with the county noise ordinance: no plainly audible sound across property lines between 11 PM and 7 AM. Hosts are liable for tenant noise under the nuisance property framework.

Mecklenburg County does not issue a separate STR permit for unincorporated areas beyond standard zoning and tax registration. NCGS 160D-1207 limits local governments from requiring rental registration, so operators must only register with the county tax office for room occupancy tax and meet applicable zoning.

Pre-1978 residential properties in Mecklenburg County are subject to federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) enforced by NC DHHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Certified firm required for any disturbance over 6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior.

Mecklenburg County enforces pest control through the Minimum Housing Code and NC Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control regulations. Property owners must eliminate rodent harborage, and commercial pest control applicators must be licensed under NCGS 106-65.24.

Elevators in Mecklenburg County are inspected and certified annually by the NC Department of Labor Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau under NCGS 95-110.3. Residential elevators in private homes are exempt but must meet ASME A17.1 on installation.

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 requires grass and weeds on improved residential lots to be kept below 12 inches. Code Enforcement issues notices and can abate overgrown lots at owner expense after a 10-day cure period.

Mecklenburg County weed rules are folded into the Nuisance and Minimum Standards ordinances. Noxious weeds and overgrown vegetation above 12 inches on improved lots are violations. No state-designated noxious weed list is separately enforced by the county.

Mecklenburg County follows NC common-law self-help rules for tree trimming. A property owner may trim branches and roots that cross the property line up to the boundary, at their own expense, without harming the tree. HOAs commonly impose stricter rules.

Mecklenburg County has no mandate requiring native plants but actively promotes them through the LUESA Water Quality program and Charlotte's Tree Canopy Action Plan. Certain development projects must use native or adapted species in stream buffers.

Mecklenburg County has strong tree protection rules. The Post-Construction Controls Ordinance and Charlotte Tree Ordinance regulate removal of heritage trees and trees within stream buffers. A Tree Save Area permit is typically required for removals on developed parcels.

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Mecklenburg County. NC has no restrictions on residential rainwater collection. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services offers rebates for approved rain gardens and cisterns.

Charlotte Water serves most of Mecklenburg County and enforces a Water Shortage Response Plan with five stages. Year-round, irrigation is limited to even/odd address days and banned between 10 AM and 6 PM during Stage 1 and higher.

Artificial turf is generally allowed on residential lots in Mecklenburg County. Zoning and Post-Construction Controls treat synthetic turf as impervious surface, so large installations may trigger stormwater review. HOAs often restrict it.

Residential pools in Mecklenburg County require a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate under NC Residential Code AG105. Gate latch must be at least 54 inches above ground and gate must open outward away from the pool.

Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep in Mecklenburg County require a building permit and the same 48-inch barrier as in-ground pools. Pool walls of 48 inches or greater may serve as the barrier if access ladder is removable or lockable.

Mecklenburg County enforces the federal VGB Act anti-entrapment standard plus NC Residential Code safety requirements: GFCI on all pool circuits, equipotential bonding grid, and approved drain covers on every suction outlet.

Hot tubs and spas in Mecklenburg County require an electrical permit and must have a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 in lieu of a fence. Minimum 5-foot separation from structures recommended and GFCI protection required.

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement issues building permits for all in-ground and above-ground residential pools over 24 inches deep or 5,000 gallons. Permits require site plan review, electrical permit, and final inspection under NC Residential Code Appendix G.

Residential height limits in Mecklenburg County typically 35 to 40 ft in R zones. Charlotte N1 zones allow up to 40 ft. Accessory structures capped at 20 ft or height of primary dwelling, whichever is less. Transitional height planes protect adjacent lower-density zones.

Mecklenburg County and Charlotte setbacks vary by zoning district. Typical R-3 residential: 30 ft front, 5 to 10 ft side, 35 ft rear. Charlotte UDO 2023 rewrite reduced many setbacks to encourage infill. Corner lots have front setback on both street frontages.

Maximum lot coverage in Charlotte residential zones ranges 40 to 65 percent depending on district. Mecklenburg County unincorporated R-3 caps at 30 to 40 percent. Impervious surface limits apply additionally in watershed protection areas (Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake).

Charlotte enforces a juvenile curfew under City Code §15-16 prohibiting minors under 16 from being in public spaces between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM Sunday-Thursday and midnight to 6:00 AM Friday-Saturday. Exceptions apply for parental accompaniment, work, and emergencies.

Mecklenburg County parks close from sunset (or 11:00 PM depending on park) to 6:00 AM. Park curfew is enforced under Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Rules §2.3 and Charlotte Code §15-16 with $100 trespass citations.

Mecklenburg County and Charlotte do not require permits for garage sales on private residential property. Charlotte Code §6-172 limits residents to 4 yard sales per calendar year, each no more than 3 consecutive days during daylight hours.

Mecklenburg County does not operate a countywide rental registration program, but the City of Charlotte enforces the Rental Housing Remedial Action Program targeting properties with code violations. Charlotte Code Chapter 11 requires registration of problem rental properties after enforcement actions.

Mecklenburg County follows North Carolina statewide landlord-tenant law with no just-cause eviction requirement. Landlords may decline to renew month-to-month or fixed-term leases without stating a reason, provided proper notice is given under N.C.G.S. Chapter 42.

NCGS 42-14.1 preempts all local rent control in Mecklenburg County and statewide. Charlotte and Mecklenburg cannot cap rent increases. Landlords may raise rent to any level at lease renewal with proper notice. Tenant protections exist for habitability and eviction process only.

Charlotte UDO designates food trucks as allowed use in most commercial and mixed-use zones and prohibits them in R-1 through R-4 residential zones except at permitted events. Uptown streets require special event or block-party permit.

Food trucks in Mecklenburg County require a NC DHHS Mobile Food Unit permit plus Mecklenburg County Public Health inspection and Charlotte Zoning permit. Commissary agreement required. Charlotte charges 100 dollars annual zoning permit plus inspection fees.