Proposed: Stricter Minimum Housing Code
Revision to Charlotte’s Minimum Housing Code Ordinance
The City of Charlotte is proposing changes to the city’s Housing Code Ordinance. The city is citing resident complaints and poorly maintained facilities as the reason for these changes. Many members of the Charlotte City Council believe that a stronger ordinance is needed to enforce the repair of malfunctioning housing. They believe that by increasing the minimum standards, they will be protecting the quality of housing that residents receive.
The Process
Public input meetings have been held these past weeks to get the public’s opinion and to get people talking about these possible reforms. Council Members on the City Council Neighborhood Development Committee have been considering options and advocating for changes to the ordinance. The city will be presenting information to the committee on June 19 and the City Council is expected to take these matters to a formal vote in August or September.
Summary of the new requirements
Kitchen exhausts need to vent to the exterior of the building
If there are moisture stains on ceilings, there needs to be established proof that the cause of the stain has been eradicated
Drainage has to be put in place to effectively prevent damage or dampness inside walls and structures
Roof drains, gutters and downspouts have to be well-kept, unobstructed and drain water away from the structure, without creating public nuisances
Exhaust ducts for clothes dryers have to end on the outside of the building and be equipped with a back-draft damper
Ducts have to be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and all ductwork has to be properly supported. Dryers cannot be connected to other venting systems, vents or chimneys
Air conditioning/cooling facilities have to be properly installed, safely maintained and in good working condition
Water heater temperature has to be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature relief valve (TPR) and associated piping also have to be put in place
Flush mechanisms must be maintained
Roof and flashing have to be sound, tight, and have no defects that let rain in
Exterior stairways, deck porches and balconies, landings, and exits have to be maintained, structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and have to be capable of supporting imposed loads
There are mandatory enhanced inspections of multifamily developments if specified number of units are inspected within a specific timeframe
Failure to correct dangerous violations within 48 hours results in $500 fine per day until it is corrected
Civil penalties begin the day after noncompliance with a fine of $100 per day
Environmental Court convictions are Class 2 misdemeanors and can include probation or up to 30 days in jail
Banks have to file deeds within 60 days of foreclosing on a property
Content Authored By: Laura Comino
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