Code Violations & Compliance

Code Enforcement in Currituck County plays a vital role in protecting public health, safety, and overall quality of life. The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the Currituck County Code of Ordinances (COO) establish the standards, procedures, and requirements that form the basis of code enforcement activities.

Code enforcement follows a structured process designed to ensure that local regulations are applied consistently, effectively, and efficiently. The County emphasizes achieving voluntary compliance, while also maintaining the authority to impose sanctions when violations are not corrected.

The primary goal of the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) is to obtain voluntary compliance with the UDO and/or COO in all identified or reported violation cases. Code Enforcement Officers are responsible for enforcing the County’s non-criminal, non-traffic regulations, which commonly include issues related to:

• Public health and safety
• Community appearance
• Property use
• Prohibited signage
• Junk or abandoned vehicles
• Overgrown vegetation
• Accumulation of litter or debris on properties

Submit a Code Violation

Do you have a concern about an overgrown lot, abandoned vehicles or any other potential safety hazard? If so, please fill out the:

• Citizen Complaint (PDF) form and
  • Mail:
    Code Violations & Compliance
    153 Courthouse Road, Suite G103
    Currituck, North Carolina  27929
  • or in person at our office.
• Online
• Or contact us

Code Enforcement Officers

Michelle Rogers
Phone: 252-232-6056

J. G, Seabright
Phone: 252-232-6033

Common Violations Reported

Inoperable/junk vehicles
Unified Development Ordinance, Subsection 4.3.3.O.
Currituck County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article IV. – Junk Car Ordinance

• Up to one inoperable or junked vehicle is allowed per residential dwelling unit
• A junk car is defined as a vehicle that does not display a current license plate lawfully on the vehicle, and is partially damaged or wrecked, or cannot move in the manner it was intended to move.
• Abandoned and nuisance vehicles are also addressed under the junk car ordinance.

Overgrown property
Currituck County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article III. – Nuisances

• Grass cannot exceed 12 inches if the property has a structure upon it.
• Grass cannot exceed 18 inches if the property is vacant.

Garbage/refuse/waste/trash
Currituck County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Article II. – Storage and Disposal

• All waste/trash must be removed at least once each week (seven-day period). *Corolla and Carova have specific requirements which can be found in this same chapter.
• Storage of garbage must be in a durable container with a cover; required number of containers to adequately store one week’s accumulation of garbage for the dwelling.
• Storage of refuse (lumber, tires, old furniture, appliances, boxes/crates, and other bulky waste) should be done in a manner to resist animals and not create a fire hazard.  Bulky waste should not be stored outside the dwelling longer than 72 hours.

RV/Motorhome/Travel Trailer/Camper utilized as a permanent residence
Unified Development Ordinance, Subsection 4.1.1.G.(2)(c)

• The use of a recreational vehicle as a permanent residence or as a temporary residence outside of approved campgrounds is prohibited in all zoning districts in the county.

Prohibited Signs
Unified Development Ordinance, Subsection 5.12.1.

•  Signs placed along the road located within the sight triangle or public right-of-way.
• Signs attached to any traffic sign, utility pole or tree.