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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

First compliance window
at least 30 days from initial inspection
Second compliance window
at least 15 days later
Third compliance window
at least 7 days later
Penalty schedule
$100, $300, $500 across inspections
Re-occurring violation penalty
$1,000, accruing every 7 days
Referral after third inspection
Davidson County Attorney's Office

Summary

When a Davidson County Code Official finds a building, structure, or service system that poses a clear and inimical threat to human life, safety, or health, § 98.085(C) orders the responsible party to fix it within a set deadline, backed by a graduated schedule of compliance inspections and civil penalties that keep escalating until the hazard is corrected.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Davidson County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Unsafe buildings and conditions. If a premises, a building or structure, or any service system, in whole or in part, constitutes a clear and inimical threat to human life, safety, or health, the Code Official shall issue orders for the responsible party to remedy the condition within a specified time frame, and temporary sanctions may be placed in effect that are suitable to the Code Official, to minimize exposure or subjection to the unsafe condition.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2024 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance passed 4-22-2024; and State legislation through 2023 North Carolina Legislative Service, Pamphlet No. 6).

Full Breakdown

085(C) covers unsafe buildings and conditions county-wide in the unincorporated area. 085(C)(1). 085(C)(3). 077, and civil penalties keep accruing every seven days until the condition is fixed. 085(C). 085(C)(6) for proven hardship. 085(D) authorizes immediate evacuation for imminent danger regardless of where the compliance clock stands.

Violations & Fines

Failing to correct an unsafe condition by the deadlines in § 98.085(C) draws civil penalties from Appendix D: $100, then $300, then $500 across the three compliance inspections, and $1,000 for a re-occurring violation with penalties accruing every seven days. An uncorrected case after the third inspection is referred to the County Attorney's Office under § 98.077, which can pursue equitable relief, injunctions, or a lien under § 98.999.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I get to fix an unsafe building in Davidson County?
Section 98.085(C)(1) gives at least 30 days before the first compliance inspection. If still uncorrected, § 98.085(C)(2)-(3) schedule a second inspection at least 15 days later and a third at least 7 days after that, each with its own civil penalty.
What happens if the condition still isn't fixed after three inspections?
Section 98.085(C)(4) turns the case over to the Davidson County Attorney's Office, and civil penalties continue to accrue every seven days under Appendix D until the Code Official confirms the unsafe condition is corrected.
Can I get more time to make repairs?
Yes. Section 98.085(C)(5) lets the Fire Code Official approve an extended plan of action if the responsible party shows good cause in writing, and § 98.085(C)(6) allows one further extension for proven hardship beyond the party's control.
Who is responsible for fixing an unsafe building?
Section 98.076 places the correction and abatement duty on the responsible party, which includes an owner or occupant who created or allowed the violation of the N.C. State Building Codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Davidson County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Davidson County rules

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