Agenda - 10-02-1995 - X-A - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 a ORANGE COUNTY MINIMUM HOUSING CODE STATUS REPORT OCTOBER 2. 1995 Background The Orange County Minimum Housing Code Ordinance was adopted by the Board of Commissioners on February 21, 1984 and became effective July 1, 1984 and became effective July 1, 1984 to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the County. The purpose of this ordinance is to establish minimum housing standards for the initial and continued occupancy of all renter- occupied dwellings. The Minimum Housing Code (MHC) is enforced by the Housing and Community Development Department and applies only to areas outside the corporate limits of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Minimum Housing Standards In summary, every renter-occupied dwelling unit shall comply with all of the minimum housing standards established by the ordinance. There are minimum standards for: 1. Structural Conditions (foundations, walls, floors and roofs) 2. Basic Plumbing Facilities* 3. Safe Heating Facilities 4. Safe and Adequate Electrical Equipment and Facilities 5. Adequate Lighting and Ventilation 6. Adequate Space 7. Control of Insects, Rodents and Infestation * The present ordinance states "Every dwelling unit must be provided with potable water and 24 hour a day access to a privy or commode connected to a public sewer or other means of sewage disposal approved by the Orange County Health Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management." Enforcement Procedures The Minimum Housing Code Enforcement Program is "complaint triggered" which means investigation of housing code violations is initiated after a complaint is received. According to the ordinance, dwellings may be inspected to determine if housing violations exist when: