The Code Compliance Department was established in August of 2004 by the City Council.  The primary function of the department is to enforce the Minimum Housing Code (Chapter 21), Abandoned Structure Code (Chapter 21A), and Nuisance Code (Chapter 23 Weeds).  Our key strategic objective or purpose is to improve the housing stock and quality of neighborhoods within the city; by actively enforcing the City Codes that result in the rehabilitation and / or demolition of substandard, dilapidated or deteriorated housing to remove blight and make neighborhoods safer.

MINIMUM HOUSING (Chapter 21)

Every dwelling and dwelling unit used as human habitation, or held out for use as a human habitation, shall comply with all of the minimum standards of fitness for human habitation and all the requirements of Chapter 21 of the City Code.  No person shall occupy as owner–occupant, or let to another for occupancy or use as a human habitation and all of the requirements of Chapter 21 of the City Code.

It is the intent of the Minimum Housing Code not to infringe on any citizen’s personal rights but to ensure that all citizens of The City of Henderson are afforded the ability to live in, or live next to a home that is safe and meets a minimum standard of fitness for human habitation.

A Minimum Housing Inspection may be requested by:

• A Public Official
• A Group of Five Neighbors
• A Compliance Inspector
• An Occupant

ABANDONED STRUCTURES (Chapter 21A)

The purpose of the Abandoned Structure Ordinance is to enforce the repair, closing and demolition of any abandoned structure in accordance with provisions and procedures as set forth by law (N.C.G.S.160A-441). An “abandoned structure” is defined as a structure that is hazardous to the health, safety and welfare of the residents due to the presence of insects or rodents, conditions creating a fire hazard, conditions constituting a threat to children, or frequent use by vagrants as living quarters and the absence of sanitary facilities. In addition, any structure that has been without legal occupants for a period of at least one hundred twenty (120) days may also qualify as “abandoned”.

NUISANCE CODE (WEEDS Chapter 23)

The City’s Nuisance Code (Weeds Code) is intended to prohibit the existence and continuation of any condition on any vacant lot or other parcel of land within the corporate limits of the city that is dangerous and prejudicial to the public health and/or safety and which constitutes a public nuisance, such as:

• The uncontrolled growth of noxious weeds or grass to a height in excess of twelve inches causing or threatening to cause a hazard detrimental to the public health or safety.
• Any accumulation of animal or vegetable matter that is offensive by virtue of odors or vapors or by the inhabitancy therein of rats, mice, snakes or vermin of any kind which is or may be dangerous or prejudicial to the public health.
• Any accumulation of rubbish, trash or junk causing or threatening to cause a fire hazard; the accumulation of stagnant water; or the inhabitation therein of rats, mice, snakes or vermin of any kind which is or may be dangerous or prejudicial to the public health.
• The open storage of any abandoned icebox, refrigerator, stove, glass, building material, furniture, rubbish, paper, or similar items.
• The existence of leaning trees or unconnected structures such as old chimneys and other structures or conditions likely to cause damage to the person or property of any member of the public.
• Any conditions detrimental to the public health that violates the rules and regulations of the county health department.

If you have a question about an minimum housing issue, abandoned structure or a nuisance property, please contact a Code Compliance Staff member.

Corey K. Williams
Development Service Director
Phone: 252-430-5725
eMail: coreywilliams@henderson.nc.gov

Earvin Doyle
Code Compliance Inspector
Phone: 252-430-5721
eMail:earvindoyle@henderson.nc.gov

Cliff Pratt 
Code Compliance Inspector 
Phone: 252-430-5726
eMail: wilbertpratt@henderson.nc.gov