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

" The code lists accumulated junk, tires, trash, refuse or construction debris that breeds mosquitoes, insects, rats or other pests; offensive odors or health risks such as unburied animals or stagnant water; uncovered containers or structures breeding pests; and unsecured wells, vehicles, appliances or buildings that risk entrapment or injury. High grass and noxious weeds must be kept cut to 12 inches or less, with carve-outs for landscaping trees and shrubs, erosion-control plantings, educational study areas, and food gardens or ornamental plantings. Open space (lawns, greenways, wetlands, watercourses) and bona fide farms are exempt outright.

Abatement runs through written notice by hand delivery, process service, or certified mail, giving the owner up to 90 days to fix the condition before the county can enter and abate it directly, billing the cost as a lien collectible like unpaid property taxes. An owner may appeal to the Director of General Services within ten calendar days, limited to disputing ownership or whether the condition is actually dangerous to public health. If the owner can't be located, the county posts notice on-site at least ten days before a hearing and publishes notice in a newspaper of general circulation at least a week ahead. S. 14-399, including the county's litter control investigator and the Durham County Sheriff's Office.