Brunswick County, NC Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Brunswick County adopted its Minimum Housing Code, Sec. S. 153A-121, 153A-350 and 160A-441 to eliminate blighted neighborhoods and dwellings unfit for human habitation due to dilapidation, fire hazards, or inadequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities (Sec. 1-4-107). The county manager designates a public officer to investigate dwelling conditions and inspect properties (Sec. 1-4-119); inspections can be triggered on the officer's own motion or by a petition from a public authority, at least five county residents regarding a rental, or the affected renter-occupant (Sec. 1-4-120). If the officer finds a dwelling does not meet minimum standards, Sec.

1-4-121 requires written notice and a hearing at least 10 but no more than 30 days later. If the dwelling is found merely deteriorated, the officer orders repairs within a period not exceeding 90 days; if it is found dilapidated, the officer orders the owner either to repair it to code or to vacate, remove or demolish it within 90 days. Where the condition poses an imminent threat to health or safety, the officer can order immediate vacation and closure. An owner may appeal to the minimum housing appeals board within 10 days (Sec.

1-4-123), and from there seek certiorari review in Superior Court within 15 days. If an owner ignores a final order, Sec. 1-4-125 lets the public officer close the dwelling and post a placard reading "This building is unfit for human habitation. " Removing that placard is itself a misdemeanor. This chapter governs unincorporated Brunswick County; incorporated towns enforce their own minimum housing or property-maintenance codes.