N.C. Gen. Stat. § § 160D-1210
Additional powers of public officer.
Operative Text
An ordinance adopted by the governing board may authorize the public officer to exercise any powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purpose and provisions of this Article, including the following powers in addition to others herein granted: (1) To investigate the dwelling conditions in the local government's planning and development regulation jurisdiction in order to determine which dwellings therein are unfit for human habitation. (2) To administer oaths, affirmations, examine witnesses, and receive evidence. (3) To enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations in a manner that will do the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession. (4) To appoint and fix the duties of officers, agents, and employees necessary to carry out the purposes of the ordinances. (5) To delegate any of his or her functions and powers under the ordinance to other officers and other agents. (2019-111, s. 2.4; 2020-3, s. 4.33(a); 2020-25, s. 51(a), (b), (d).)
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160D-1210, a local government may pass an ordinance granting a designated public officer broad authority to enforce housing habitability standards. This authority includes investigating dwelling conditions, entering properties with minimal disruption to occupants, administering oaths, gathering evidence, and delegating responsibilities to staff or agents. The provision is enabling in nature, meaning the specific powers only take effect if the local governing board adopts an ordinance activating them.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating within a jurisdiction that has adopted an ordinance under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160D-1210 should be aware that a public officer may have legal authority to enter and inspect their properties to assess habitability. Compliant operators generally maintain their dwellings in a condition that meets local housing standards, reducing the likelihood of an adverse finding during any such investigation. Keeping records of maintenance, repairs, and inspections can help demonstrate ongoing compliance if a public officer exercises powers granted under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160D-1210 may give a locally designated public officer the power to investigate whether a dwelling is unfit for human habitation, which can be a resource for tenants living in substandard conditions. If a local ordinance has activated these powers, tenants may be able to request an inspection or file a complaint with the relevant local housing or code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in North Carolina can help residents understand whether their local government has adopted such an ordinance and what enforcement options may be available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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