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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 1, 2021 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-g <br /> SUBJECT: Amendment to the Code of Ordinances — Minimum Housing Standards <br /> Ordinance <br /> DEPARTMENT: County Attorney <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Draft Ordinance John Roberts, County Attorney, 245- <br /> Resolution 2318 <br /> PURPOSE: To adopt a resolution amending the Code of Ordinances to bring the Minimum <br /> Housing Standards Ordinance (the "Ordinance") into compliance with Chapter 160D of the North <br /> Carolina General Statutes. <br /> BACKGROUND: In 2019 Chapter 160D of the North Carolina General Statutes was signed into <br /> law. In addition to combining the land use laws applicable to cities and counties into a single <br /> chapter, 160D modified the law as it relates to minimum housing ordinances. Soon thereafter <br /> staff with the Town of Hillsborough indicated an interest in having the Ordinance enforced within <br /> Town limits. These two things prompted a review of the Ordinance during which it was <br /> discovered to be in need of updating due to the fact it has not been updated since its original <br /> adoption in 1984. <br /> Some of the more substantive changes to the Ordinance include: <br /> • adding several definitions and removing the requirement that the enforcement official be <br /> a certified code enforcement official due to the fact that this requirement, at least for the <br /> last 15-20 years, has not been met by the County, <br /> • adding structural and sanitary maintenance standards, <br /> • adding minimum heating standards, <br /> • adding minimum standards to basements used as living areas, <br /> • clarifying the inspection and enforcement authority of the enforcement official, and <br /> • authorizing civil citations and removing the criminal penalty for violations. <br /> The Ordinance is currently enforceable within the County's jurisdiction and the amendments will <br /> be effective upon adoption. Senior staff with the Town of Hillsborough indicate a desire to adopt <br /> the Ordinance for future enforcement within Town limits. The Board conducted the required <br /> public hearing on May 18, 2021 and kept open a written comment period for more than 24 hours <br /> thereafter. No additional comments were received. <br />