The Code Enforcement Division works to keep Gastonia's neighborhoods safe, clean, and healthy. The division investigates reported violations and enforces City ordinances covering housing conditions, public nuisances, overgrown lots, junk and abandoned vehicles, livestock, and graffiti.
When a property is out of compliance, the owner is notified and given time to correct the problem. If the violation isn't corrected, the owner may be fined, or the City may correct the violation and charge the cost to the owner.
How Can We Help?
- Report a Code Violation
Let us know about an overgrown lot, junk vehicle, unsafe housing, or other possible violation. - Pay a Code Violation
Pay fines or charges for a code violation online. - Code of Ordinances
Read the full text of the City ordinances Code Enforcement enforces. - Ordinances, Forms & Applications
Find forms and applications, including livestock permit applications. - Planning
Questions about zoning and land use are handled by the Planning Department.
What We Enforce
Minimum Housing
Homes and rental properties must meet the City's maintenance standards and be kept safe, sound, and sanitary. Property owners are ultimately responsible for meeting these standards, but tenants are expected to keep their homes clean and free of trash and debris. Occupied homes must also have the required utilities connected.
Public Nuisances & Overgrown Lots
Owners of properties with a public nuisance or overgrown (weeded) lot are notified and must correct the problem. If they don't, the City may issue fines, have the lot cut, remove the nuisance, or demolish a substandard house, with the cost charged to the owner.
Junk, Hazardous & Abandoned Vehicles
Vehicles must be licensed and in working condition, or stored as the ordinance allows:
- Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles may be kept inside an enclosed garage or storage building.
- One such vehicle may be kept in the rear yard of a residence if it has an approved car cover and the area around it is maintained.
Vehicles that don't meet these requirements may be removed.
Livestock Permits
Keeping livestock inside city limits requires a permit. Apply through Code Enforcement and meet the setback and maintenance requirements. Neighbors are consulted about any possible nuisance before a permit is issued. Each permit lists the type and number of animals allowed on a specific parcel and cannot be transferred.
Graffiti
Code Enforcement and the Gastonia Police Department work together to require removal of graffiti on private property, including buildings, bridges, retaining walls, streets, and sidewalks. Property owners are encouraged to remove graffiti as quickly as possible.
Pets & Domestic Animals
Gaston County Animal Control enforces pet ordinances. The City regulates where dog houses may be placed, property damage caused by pet waste, and odors or other nuisances from animals.
Litter & Illegal Dumping
A sworn police officer assigned to Code Enforcement serves as the City's Litter Control Officer. This officer enforces the junk vehicle, public nuisance, and overgrown lot ordinances, as well as state laws on hazardous waste and illegal dumping.
Contact Information
Code Enforcement Division
Garland Municipal Business Center, First Floor
150 S. York Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
(PO Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
Phone: 704-866-6729
Fax: 704-836-0010
codeenf@gastonianc.gov