Forsyth County, NC Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited act
- Allowing a vehicle to become a hazard (§ 11-3)
- Hazard threshold
- Left over 30 days in hazardous condition
- Exempt
- Enclosed vehicles, licensed junkyards/garages
- Hearing body
- Environmental Assistance & Protection Advisory Board
- Appeal window
- 10 days to Forsyth County District Court
- Penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500 fine
Summary
Forsyth County makes it unlawful to let a motor vehicle sit on your property in a state the code calls a health or safety hazard: breeding insects, collecting stagnant water, or left more than 30 days in a wrecked or unlicensed condition. FCSO and the abandoned vehicles officer can tag, remove, and ultimately sell the vehicle.
(Sec. 11-1(a)) Abandoned and junked motor vehicles constitute a hazard to the health and welfare of the people of Forsyth County in that such vehicles furnish shelter and breeding places for stinging insects and rats and present physical dangers to the safety and well being of children and other citizens. It is, therefore, in the public interest that the present accumulation of abandoned and junked vehicles be eliminated and that the future abandonment of such vehicles be prevented. ... (Sec. 11-3) It is hereby declared to be unlawful for any person to cause or allow a motor vehicle to become a health or safety hazard as defined in section 11-2. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
Section 11-3 of the Forsyth County Code declares it "unlawful for any person to cause or allow a motor vehicle to become a health or safety hazard as defined in section 11-2," with each day of violation a separate offense. " Section 11-2 defines the hazard itself: a vehicle left on private property more than 30 days that is a breeding ground for insects, rats, or snakes; a point of collection for weeds over eight inches; a point of collection for pools of water; a concentration of gasoline, oil or other flammable material; at risk of falling or turning over; or a source of danger to children through unsecured confinement spaces.
A vehicle in an enclosed building, or on a lawfully operating business's premises where it's necessary to that business (including a licensed junkyard or garage), is exempt under section 11-1(c). 1, heard by the Forsyth County Environmental Assistance and Protection Advisory Board, which must issue a written report within three days; the owner can then appeal to Forsyth County District Court within ten days of receiving that report.
Violations & Fines
Violating section 11-3 is punishable under section 11-3.1 as a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.00. Beyond the criminal fine, the county can remove and store the vehicle at the owner's expense under section 11-7, and if it's never reclaimed, sell it at private or public sale under sections 11-8 and 11-9, applying the proceeds first to removal and storage costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Forsyth County make me remove a junked car from my yard?
Is a car stored inside my garage or business lot exempt?
Do I get a hearing before the county sells my vehicle?
What happens to the money if my vehicle is sold?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
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