Raleigh, NC Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

5, the 'Unsafe Building Code of the City of Raleigh,' lets an inspector declare any residential or nonresidential building or structure unsafe under Sec. 2 when it is especially liable to fire risk, including unsecured vacant buildings, unsafe wiring, or an unsafe heating system, has overloaded floors, defective construction, or decaying parts that could fall and injure someone, or is unsanitary and poses an immediate health or safety risk. In community development target areas designated by Council resolution under Sec. 3, an inspector can also declare a vacant or abandoned nonresidential building unsafe simply for being dilapidated enough to cause blight, disease, or a public nuisance.

Once a building is declared unsafe, the inspector posts a notice on the exterior wall. If the owner doesn't act, Sec. 5 requires written notice by certified mail or personal service, a hearing within 10 days, and, if the inspector finds a fire, safety, or health hazard, a written order to repair, close, vacate, or demolish within not less than 60 days, or a shorter period if the danger is imminent. Sec. 4 lets the Housing and Neighborhoods Director order immediate repair, evacuation, closing, or demolition without waiting for that process when there's an imminent danger to life, and the City can recover emergency costs as a lien against the property after 10 days' notice. Owners can appeal a corrective order to the City Council within 10 days under Sec. 6, or the order becomes final.