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Columbus County shortens code-enforcement compliance window to 30 days
Summary
The Board approved a text amendment to the county's buildings, addressing and abandoned structures ordinance to reduce the required compliance period from 60 days to 30 days before a second notice is issued when no appeal is filed.
The Columbus County Board of Commissioners approved a text amendment reducing the compliance timeline in the county's buildings, addressing and abandoned structures ordinance from 60 days to 30 days.
Planning staff presented the amendment during a public hearing. As read into the record, the ordinance change amends chapter 5, part 4, abandoned structures, article 4, section 3: where previously the property owner would have 60 days to remove, abate, or remedy a violation before a second notice is issued (if no appeal is filed), the period will now be 30 days.
Planning Director Kelsey Hammond and others advised the board that the planning board had recommended the change. Commissioners asked about next steps after the second notice; planning staff described enforcement tools that can be used if a property does not comply, including liens collected as unpaid taxes, orders of abatement, and injunctive actions. Staff said the county would consider hardship or timing on a case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Bullard moved to approve the amendment; Commissioner Smith seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: The change speeds up the county's administrative timeline for addressing abandoned or dangerously maintained properties, potentially accelerating enforcement and abatement processes in the county.
Votes at the meeting: Motion to approve amendment to the code enforcement/abandoned structures ordinance: passed (voice vote).
