Pop. 32,529 · Mecklenburg County
All residential pools over 24 inches deep require a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward. Latch minimum 54 inches above ground. NC State Residential Code Appendix G.
Hot tubs and spas with a lockable, ASTM F1346-rated safety cover are exempt from pool barrier requirements. Building permit still required for installation exceeding 24 inches in depth and electrical work.
Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require the same barrier, permit, and setback compliance as in-ground pools. Pool wall 48+ inches high may serve as barrier if ladder is removable or lockable.
Matthews has no breed-specific legislation; dangerous dog determinations follow behavior-based standards under N.C.G.S. 67-4.1 and the Mecklenburg County dangerous-dog process.
Matthews and Mecklenburg County limit households to a combined total of typically 5 dogs and cats over 4 months of age, with kennel licensing required above that threshold.
Matthews requires dogs to be leashed or under physical restraint whenever off the owner's property, enforced through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control under the countywide animal ordinance.
Matthews prohibits keeping wild and exotic animals in residential areas, adopting the Mecklenburg County exotic animal restrictions which ban venomous reptiles, large cats, primates, and similar species.
Matthews discourages feeding of wildlife through nuisance and rabies-prevention provisions, with specific prohibitions on feeding deer in the countywide ordinance and on feeding that attracts rats or bears.
Matthews permits backyard chickens in single-family residential zones with limits on number, coop setbacks, and a prohibition on roosters within the town limits.
Beekeeping is permitted in Matthews residential zones subject to setback requirements in the UDO, with registration encouraged through the NC Department of Agriculture apiary inspection program.
North Carolina criminalizes animal cruelty under N.C.G.S. Chapter 14, Article 47, applying uniform statewide standards that prosecute neglect, hoarding, and inadequate care of animals.
Sheds under 12x12 (144 sq ft) typically do not need a building permit in Matthews but still must meet UDO setbacks. Larger sheds require permits and anchoring per NC Code.
Matthews allows attached and detached carports subject to UDO setbacks and building permits. Metal prefab carports are permitted if anchored and meeting wind load standards.
Matthews permits accessory dwelling units in certain residential districts subject to UDO standards. ADUs must be subordinate in size, meet setbacks, and match the main home aesthetic.
Tiny homes on foundations must meet NC Residential Code and Matthews zoning minimum dwelling size. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent residences on residential lots.
Converting a garage to living space in Matthews requires a building permit, plan review, and may require zoning compliance for parking and density. Unpermitted conversions create resale and insurance issues.
Construction activity in Matthews is generally permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday with Sunday restrictions, consistent with Mecklenburg County construction noise norms and the Matthews UDO.
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.
Matthews does not have a leaf-blower-specific ordinance; operation is governed by general noise and construction-hour restrictions in the Town Code.
Matthews enforces nighttime quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM on weekends under the Town Code noise provisions, with plainly audible standards at property lines.
Aircraft noise in Matthews is governed exclusively by federal FAA regulations; local ordinances cannot regulate aircraft operations or altitudes.
Commercial operations in Matthews must not generate noise plainly audible at adjoining residential property lines, with stricter limits applying to businesses abutting residential zones under the UDO.
Matthews prohibits habitual or prolonged dog barking that disturbs neighbors under Chapter 10 animal provisions, with Animal Control handling complaints through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control.
Amplified music in Matthews requires special event permits when held outdoors in public spaces; residential amplified sound is subject to the plainly audible standard and nighttime quiet hours.
Matthews requires property owners to maintain yards free of excessive dry vegetation and dead limbs under Town nuisance rules. Mecklenburg County supports defensible practices around structures.
Matthews permits recreational backyard fires in approved containers only, with no burning of leaves or yard waste. Fires must stay small, attended, and 25 feet from buildings.
Matthews follows the NC State Building Code requiring working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. Rental units must have functional alarms at lease start.
Matthews is not located in a designated NC wildfire hazard zone. The Piedmont suburban setting has low wildland-urban interface risk, though drought-period vigilance is advised.
Matthews allows recreational fire pits subject to NC Fire Code. Pits must be 25 feet from structures, with only clean seasoned wood permitted. Matthews Fire-EMS responds to complaints.
Matthews prohibits open burning of yard waste within town limits. NC DEQ 4 PM rule applies regionally: no burning after 4 PM. Mecklenburg County air quality rules further restrict burning in the urban area.
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.
Matthews has a strong tree protection ordinance. Pruning on private property is allowed, but trimming street trees or protected trees requires coordination with the Town arborist.
Matthews generally permits artificial turf on private residential lots. Stormwater and UDO standards require permeable edges or drainage to prevent runoff issues.
Matthews requires permits to remove specimen or protected trees. UDO tree save rules protect canopy; removal of large healthy trees often triggers mitigation plantings or fees.
Matthews supports native Piedmont plantings. The UDO landscape standards favor drought-tolerant natives, and residential native-plant yards are permitted if maintained.
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in North Carolina. Matthews encourages rain barrels and cisterns for irrigation. No permit needed for simple residential barrels.
Matthews treats overgrown weeds as a public nuisance along with tall grass, enforced by Code Enforcement with the same 12-inch trigger and abatement process.
Matthews is served by Charlotte Water. Year-round efficient irrigation rules apply; during drought, Charlotte Water implements tiered restrictions on outdoor watering days and hours.
Matthews limits grass and weeds to 12 inches on occupied residential lots. Code Enforcement issues notices under the Town nuisance chapter; abatement costs become a lien.
Matthews UDO prohibits overnight parking of commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR or with more than 2 axles in residential districts. Tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and box trucks must park in commercial or industrial zones.
Matthews UDO requires residential driveways to be paved with concrete, asphalt, or pavers and to maintain minimum 3-foot setbacks from side property lines. Driveway curb cuts require NCDOT permit on state-maintained roads and Town approval on local streets.
Matthews follows NC State Building Code for EV charger installation requiring electrical permits for Level 2 (240V) home chargers. NCGS 22B-20 prohibits HOAs from banning EV charging stations in assigned parking for unit owners.
Matthews generally permits overnight on-street parking in residential neighborhoods except where signed otherwise. Downtown time limits expire at 6 PM. HOA subdivisions often restrict overnight street parking through private covenants.
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.
Matthews UDO restricts RV, boat, and trailer parking on residential lots to side or rear yards screened from street view. Front yard storage is prohibited except for loading/unloading up to 48 hours. HOAs throughout Matthews subdivisions often ban all visible RV storage.
Matthews permits on-street parking on most residential streets but prohibits parking within 15 feet of fire hydrants, 25 feet of intersections, and blocking driveways per NCGS 20-162. Downtown Matthews has signed 2-hour limits on Trade Street and adjacent blocks to support retail turnover.
Matthews requires a zoning permit for home occupations. Business must be clearly secondary to residential use, no non-resident employees on site, no external evidence of the business, and no customer traffic beyond normal residential patterns.
Matthews prohibits external signage for home occupations. The business must be invisible from the street to preserve residential character, with no yard signs, window signs, or vehicle lettering displays.
North Carolina allows home-based cottage food sales under NCGS 106 with NCDA home inspection. Non-hazardous baked goods, jams, and candies may be sold directly from home or at events.
Matthews permits family child care homes (up to 5 children) and child care homes (6-8 children) as home occupations under the UDO, subject to NC DHHS licensing through the Division of Child Development and Early Education.
Matthews home occupations must not generate customer traffic exceeding normal residential volume. Occasional client visits by appointment are typical limits; retail walk-in is prohibited.
Matthews UDO allows home occupations in residential districts if the business is clearly secondary to the home. No outside employees, limited equipment, and no change to residential character.
Matthews applies NC State Building Code occupancy standards. General guideline: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional. No city-specific STR cap beyond NCGS 160D-1207 constraints.
Matthews STR guests must park on-site in driveway or garage. On-street parking allowed where not otherwise restricted. No parking on lawns or unpaved surfaces per UDO.
Matthews does not mandate STR insurance coverage. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude commercial rental activity. Industry best practice: 1 million dollars liability plus commercial STR endorsement.
Matthews STR operators must collect NC state sales tax 4.75%, Mecklenburg County sales tax 2.5%, and Mecklenburg County Room Occupancy Tax 8%. Total tax burden approximately 15.25%.
Matthews does not maintain a short-term rental registry. NC state law (NCGS 160D-1207(c)) prohibits mandatory STR registration separate from standard zoning and building permitting.
Matthews does not impose minimum or maximum night-stay limits on STRs. NCGS 160D-1207(c) limits city authority to regulate rental duration. Tax treatment changes at 90 nights (occupancy tax threshold).
Matthews does not have a dedicated STR registration program as of 2026. NCGS 160D-1207(c) limits municipal authority to require STR registration. Operators must still comply with zoning, building code, and tax obligations.
Matthews STR guests subject to same noise ordinance as residents. Quiet hours 11 PM-7 AM. Hosts liable for guest noise violations; repeat offenses can trigger nuisance abatement.
Matthews requires a zoning permit for most fence installations to verify height, setback, and materials compliance with the UDO, though building permits are generally not required for residential fences under 6 feet.
Matthews UDO requires a sight-distance triangle at corner lots and driveways limiting fence, wall, and landscaping height to approximately 3 feet within 10 to 25 feet of intersections.
North Carolina has no shared-fence cost statute, so Matthews homeowners are individually responsible for fences they install; disputes with neighbors are civil matters.
Residential swimming pools in Matthews must be enclosed by a minimum 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per the North Carolina Residential Code Appendix V.
Matthews UDO permits fences up to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards in residential districts, with taller fences requiring special approval.
Matthews UDO restricts fence materials in residential districts to wood, vinyl, ornamental metal, masonry, and chain link, with finished side facing out and prohibitions on barbed wire and electrified fences.
North Carolina building code requires permits and engineering review for retaining walls over four feet in height.
Matthews operates under a Phase II NPDES MS4 permit and the Mecklenburg County Post-Construction Stormwater Ordinance. New development disturbing over 1 acre must install stormwater control measures (SCMs) and meet 85 percent TSS removal.
Matthews enforces the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act (NCGS 113A-50) through Mecklenburg County Land Development. Any earth disturbance over 1 acre requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan and financial surety.
Matthews participates in the NFIP and enforces FEMA floodplain regulations along Four Mile Creek, McAlpine Creek, and their tributaries. Construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) requires a floodplain development permit and lowest-floor elevation at least 2 feet above BFE.
Matthews requires grading permits for cut or fill exceeding 500 cubic yards or disturbing over 1 acre. Drainage designs must not increase peak runoff to adjacent properties and must comply with the Mecklenburg County drainage ordinance.
The Coastal Area Management Act, N.C.G.S. 113A-100 through 113A-134.3, requires CAMA permits for development in 20 coastal counties and Areas of Environmental Concern, preempting local rules that conflict with state coastal protection standards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Matthews and throughout North Carolina. NC has not legalized recreational or medical marijuana. Possession and cultivation carry criminal penalties under N.C.G.S. 90-95.
No cannabis dispensaries operate in Matthews or anywhere in North Carolina. State law prohibits marijuana sales. Hemp/CBD retail is legal and subject to standard commercial zoning in Matthews.
Residential and commercial elevators in Matthews regulated by NC Department of Labor, Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau under NCGS 95-110.5 et seq. Annual inspections required; certificates of operation must be posted.
Matthews requires scaffolding on commercial and multi-story residential projects to meet NC State Building Code and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L standards. Building permits issued by Matthews Planning and Development cover temporary scaffold erection adjacent to public rights-of-way.
Matthews enforces Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement housing standards requiring rental and owner-occupied properties to be free of rodent, roach, termite, and mosquito infestations. NC Structural Pest Control Act (NCGS 106-65.22) licenses pest control operators through the NC Department of Agriculture.
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.
Matthews parks close from dusk to dawn unless posted otherwise or permitted for event use. Stumptown Park, Squirrel Lake Park, and other Town parks prohibit entry during closed hours.
Matthews has no standalone juvenile curfew ordinance. Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas rely on parental responsibility statutes and N.C.G.S. 14-316.1 (contributing to delinquency).
Matthews permits mobile food vendors under UDO Section 5.3 with zoning permits, Mecklenburg County Health Department permits, and NC privilege license. Operations restricted to commercial and industrial zones; no overnight parking.
Matthews allows food truck operations in B-1, B-2, and I-1 commercial/industrial zones with property owner written consent. Downtown special events organized by Matthews Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources permit temporary vending under event permits.
Matthews HOAs enforce architectural review committees (ARC) under recorded CCRs. Approval required before exterior changes, paint colors, additions, fences, and landscaping. Written decisions typically required within 30-60 days per bylaws.
Matthews HOAs enforce CCRs through fines, suspension of privileges, liens, and injunctive relief. NCGS 47F-3-107.1 requires written notice, hearing opportunity, and proportional penalties before fines imposed.
Matthews HOAs governed by NC Planned Community Act (NCGS Chapter 47F) for communities created after January 1, 1999. Board meetings must allow reasonable member attendance; annual meetings required; records must be available for member inspection.
North Carolina HOA disputes resolved through internal hearing process, then mediation or litigation in Mecklenburg County District or Superior Court. NCGS 7A-38.3F provides for court-ordered mediation in HOA cases.
Matthews HOAs may levy regular and special assessments under NCGS 47F-3-102 and the declaration. Unpaid assessments become liens on the unit with foreclosure authority after notice. Late fees, interest, and attorney fees recoverable.
Matthews UDO caps residential building heights at 35 feet in R-15 and R-20 districts and 40 feet in R-12 and R-8 districts. Downtown mixed-use zones allow up to 65 feet with conditional approval for sites near Matthews Station.
Matthews UDO sets residential setbacks varying by zoning district. R-15 single-family requires 30-foot front, 10-foot side, and 30-foot rear setbacks. R-12 requires 25-foot front, 8-foot side, 25-foot rear.
Matthews UDO limits impervious surface coverage to 30 percent in R-20, 40 percent in R-15, 50 percent in R-12, and up to 75 percent in commercial zones. Stormwater detention required when coverage exceeds 24 percent.
Matthews UDO Article 5 requires full cutoff shielded fixtures for commercial lighting, maximum 0.5 footcandles at property lines abutting residential, and pole height limits of 25-30 feet depending on district.
Matthews UDO prohibits light trespass exceeding 0.5 footcandles onto residential property lines. Complaints investigated by Matthews Code Enforcement; remedies include shielding, re-aiming, or timer controls.
Matthews issues solar panel permits through Planning and Development with electrical and building permits per NC State Building Code. Residential rooftop solar is by-right in all zoning districts. Duke Energy net metering available under NC Utilities Commission rules.
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.
North Carolina prohibits local rent control under NCGS 42-14.1. Matthews cannot cap rental rates or impose rent stabilization. Landlord-tenant relations governed by the NC Residential Rental Agreements Act (NCGS 42-42).
Matthews follows North Carolina landlord-tenant law with no local just-cause eviction requirement. Landlords may decline to renew leases or terminate month-to-month tenancies with proper notice under state law.
Matthews does not require rental property registration for long-term rentals. North Carolina N.C.G.S. 160A-424(c) restricts cities from mandating rental registration without probable cause of code violations.
Matthews provides weekly curbside garbage collection and bi-weekly recycling through contracted service. Residents must place carts curbside by 7 AM on collection day and remove by end of day.
Matthews curbside recycling accepts paper, cardboard, plastics 1-2 and 5, aluminum, steel cans, and glass. Single-stream cart collection bi-weekly. Participation encouraged but not mandated by ordinance.
Matthews requires carts stored out of public view between collections - behind the home, in a garage, or screened side yard. Carts placed curbside no earlier than 6 PM prior day and removed within 24 hours.
Matthews offers scheduled bulk item pickup for residents - furniture, appliances, mattresses. Call Public Works 704-847-3640 to schedule. Limit of 4 cubic yards per pickup with restrictions on items containing refrigerant.
Matthews places no restrictions on residential holiday decorations or lighting. Commercial holiday displays follow standard sign ordinance for temporary signage. Displays cannot create traffic hazards or excessive light trespass.
Matthews allows garage sale signs on private property only, not in public right-of-way or on utility poles. Signs limited to 4 sq ft, posted no more than 48 hours before sale, removed within 24 hours after.
Matthews permits political signs on private property without permit. N.C.G.S. 136-32 allows political signs in state right-of-way 30 days before election through 10 days after. Town follows Reed v. Gilbert content-neutrality standards.
Matthews honors No Soliciting and No Trespassing signs posted on residential property. Solicitors ignoring posted signs face second-degree trespass charges under N.C.G.S. 14-159.13.
Matthews requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a peddler/solicitor permit from Town Hall. Application includes background check, ID badge, and fee. Solicitation hours limited to 9 AM to 7 PM Monday-Saturday.
Commercial drone operations in Matthews require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and NC DOT commercial operator permit under N.C.G.S. 63-95.1. Operations within 5 miles of CLT or Monroe airports require LAANC authorization.
Matthews defers to FAA Part 107 and FAA Recreational Exception rules. N.C.G.S. 63-95 et seq. governs drone operations statewide. Recreational flyers must pass TRUST test and register drones over 0.55 lbs with FAA.
North Carolina preempts local minimum wage ordinances under NCGS 95-25.1, requiring employers statewide to follow the state and federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
North Carolina has no statewide paid sick leave mandate and preempts local governments from requiring paid leave or benefits from private employers under the state Wage and Hour Act.
North Carolina has no statewide predictive scheduling law and effectively preempts local fair workweek or predictive scheduling ordinances through its Wage and Hour Act framework.
North Carolina issues concealed handgun permits through county sheriffs under NCGS 14-415.10 and recognizes reciprocity with many states; permitless carry is not authorized statewide.
North Carolina preempts local governments from regulating firearms, ammunition, and concealed handgun permitting beyond what state law expressly allows under NCGS 14-409.40.
North Carolina generally permits open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit, but local discharge ordinances and posted-property restrictions may apply under state law.
North Carolina permits transporting firearms in a vehicle, but a handgun carried concealed within reach generally requires a concealed handgun permit under NCGS 14-269 and 14-415.10.
North Carolina requires private employers with 25 or more employees and all government employers to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm work authorization under NCGS 64-26.
North Carolina prohibits sanctuary policies under NCGS 153A-145.5 and 160A-205.2, requiring local governments to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and honor lawful immigration detainers.
North Carolina limits county zoning of bona fide farms under NCGS 160D-903, exempting most agricultural activities on qualifying farms from county zoning regulation.
North Carolina protects established agricultural and forestry operations from nuisance lawsuits under NCGS 106-701, the Right to Farm Act, with strict limits on plaintiff eligibility and damages.
North Carolina has no statewide plastic bag ban or fee, and a former Outer Banks plastic bag ban was repealed in 2017, leaving most local bag regulation preempted in practice.
North Carolina has no statewide ban on polystyrene foam food containers and does not authorize local governments to ban expanded polystyrene packaging or food service ware.
North Carolina has no statewide ban on plastic straws and does not authorize local governments to ban single-use plastic straws or other utensils.
North Carolina enforces a minimum age of 21 to purchase tobacco, vapor products, and e-cigarettes under NCGS 14-313, aligning with the federal Tobacco 21 law.
North Carolina has not enacted a statewide flavored tobacco or flavored vape ban, and NCGS 14-313 does not authorize local governments to ban flavored tobacco products.
North Carolina regulates retail sale of vapor products and e-cigarettes under NCGS 14-313, requiring age verification, licensure under NCGS 105-113, and compliance with federal Tobacco 21 standards.
Under North Carolina law, local heritage or champion tree protection ordinances are generally preempted unless backed by specific legislative authorization for that municipality.
North Carolina law generally prohibits cities and counties from regulating tree removal on private property unless specifically authorized by a local act of the General Assembly.
North Carolina preempts mandatory tree replacement ordinances on private property except where local governments hold specific legislative authorization or apply rules to public rights-of-way.