Wake County does not run a county-wide minimum-housing code in residential neighborhoods within municipalities. NCGS §160D-1203 gives counties authority over abandoned, blighted, or unsafe structures in unincorporated areas. Each Wake municipality has its own minimum-housing program (Raleigh §10-6121, Cary Ch. 30, Apex Ch. 11, Wake Forest Ch. 8).
For unincorporated Wake County, Code §94 (General Regulations) and NCGS §160D-1203 provide authority over dilapidated structures. The Wake County Inspections Office can issue notice and order repair or demolition of structures deemed unsafe. The process under NCGS §160D-1129 requires written notice to the owner, a public hearing, and an opportunity to repair before any demolition. Raleigh runs the most active program (the 'Code Enforcement' division), inspecting 5,000+ properties annually. Cary uses §22-12 to address overgrowth, debris, and hazardous structures. Each town's process and abatement timeline differs.
Civil penalties typical $100-500 per occurrence escalating daily until abated. Demolition costs can be assessed as liens on the property. NCGS §160D-1203 allows the local government to perform the work and bill the owner.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §92.05(H), (I), and (L) target industrial and commercial noise: construction over 1,000 ft from residences, loading/unloading noise at night...
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §92.05(B), (C), (F) prohibits vehicle exhaust noise from out-of-repair or modified vehicles, gong/siren on non-emergency vehicles, and any i...
Wake County, NC
Wake County treats cats the same as dogs under Ch. 91 — owners must vaccinate against rabies at 4 months and keep current tag displayed at all times per §91....
Wake County, NC
Wake County does NOT impose a numeric limit on pets in unincorporated areas. Cities vary: Raleigh allows up to 4 dogs/cats over 4 months per dwelling under §...
Wake County, NC
Wake County adopted the NC Fire Prevention Code (NCFC) under Code Ch. 72. Residential propane storage follows NCFC Chapter 61 and NFPA 58 — typical residenti...
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §130.05 (adopted 11-9-2022, effective 12-9-2022) prohibits firearm discharge within 300 yards of any dwelling, school, church, warehouse, pl...
See how Wake County's property blight rules stack up against other locations.
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