Greensboro, NC Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- City Code §§ 11-37, 11-39(b), 11-42, 11-43
- Repair/demolish test
- 50% of building's present value
- Order timeline
- 30 to 90 days to comply
- First-violation penalty
- $500.00 plus $100.00/day uncorrected
- Repeat penalty (12 mo.)
- $1,000.00 plus $250.00/day
- Non-residential parallel
- § 11-43 unsafe-building procedure
Summary
Once Greensboro's inspector finds a residential building 'unfit for human habitation' under Sec. 11-37, Sec. 11-39(b) forces the owner onto a 30-to-90-day order to either repair it, if the fix costs under 50% of the building's value, or demolish it, backed by civil penalties starting at $500 plus $100 per day under Sec. 11-42.
If, after such notice and hearing, as provided in subsection (a), the inspector determines that the building under consideration is unfit for human habitation in accordance with the standards herein set forth, he/she/they shall state in writing his/her/their findings of fact in support of such determination, and shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner thereof an order. The order shall require the owner, within a reasonable time fixed by the inspector, but not less than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days, to make such repairs, alterations or improvements necessary to correct existing violations of the minimum standards and requirements set forth in this chapter... either:(1)Repair, alter or improve the building to comply with the minimum standards of fitness established by this chapter, if the repair, alteration or improvement ordered would cost less than fifty (50) percent of the present value of the building... or(2)Demolish the building if the repair, alteration or improvement ordered would cost an amount equal to or in excess of fifty (50) percent of the present value of the building.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 132).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 11-37 lets the inspector declare a residential building or accessory structure substandard and unfit for human habitation when conditions are dangerous or injurious to occupants' health, safety or morals, including fire hazards, inadequate ventilation or sanitary facilities, dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects and uncleanliness. Sec. 11-39 then sets the procedure: after a complaint or inspection, the inspector serves notice and holds a hearing at least 10 but not more than 30 days later; if the inspector confirms the building is unfit, a written order issues giving the owner between 30 and 90 days to repair, alter or improve the building, but only if that work would cost less than 50% of the building's present value.
If repair would cost 50% or more of present value, the order requires demolition instead. S. Ch. 160A, Art. 10. A parallel provision, Sec. S. Ch. 160A, Art. 19, Pt. 5, letting the inspector declare a non-residential structure unsafe for fire risk, bad wall conditions, overloaded floors, defective construction or inadequate egress. Sec. 00 per day for a repeat violation at the same dwelling within a rolling 12 months.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with a repair-or-demolish order under Sec. 11-39 lets the inspector carry out the repairs, vacate-and-close the building, or demolish it at the owner's expense, with costs becoming a property lien. Separately, Sec. 11-42 imposes a $500.00 civil penalty for a first housing-code violation plus $100.00 per day uncorrected, rising to $1,000.00 plus $250.00 per day for a repeat violation at the same dwelling within 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my Greensboro house is declared unfit for habitation?
What's the fine for an uncorrected housing-code violation?
Does the same process apply to commercial buildings?
Can the city put a lien on my property for demolition costs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greensboro
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