The zoning of a property is a designation that specifies how a piece of property can be used within the City.  Zoning districts are created to attract certain types of development such as single-family and multi-family homes, offices, neighborhood business, industry and institutions like schools and hospitals.  Examples of zoning violations include illegal signs, illegal use of property and commercial vehicles in residential areas.  
 
To report a potential violation of the Zoning Ordinance, call 311 or submit your request online.

Inspection Process

• Inspection usually occurs within 72 hours by the area Code Enforcement inspector.
• If the complaint is valid and a violation is found, the inspector will categorize the violation as a Level One (requiring immediate attention) or Level Two miscellaneous).
• Level One violation notices are hand delivered to the property owner giving them three days to bring the property into compliance.  If the property owner fails to correct the violation within the allotted time, fines and legal action may follow.
• Level Two violation notices are mailed to the property owner giving them 30 days to bring the property into compliance.  If the property owner fails to correct the violation within the allotted time, fines and legal action may follow.
• The case is closed when the violation is corrected.

Zoning Functions
 
Charlotte's zoning functions are administered by three of the City's Key Business Units:  Planning, Engineering & Property Management and Neighborhood & Business Services.  Their functions include:

	Planning Administrative support to the Zoning Board of Adjustment Creation of subdivisions Processing of zoning appeals, variances and rezoning applications Final interpretation of City's zoning ordinance
	Engineering & Property Management Site plan reviews and inspections of new commercial construction   Compliance with zoning ordinance regarding new commercial construction until issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy
	Neighborhood & Business Services Residential permit applications Change of use permit, zoning and sign permits (Hal Marshall Center, 700 N. Tryon Street) Zoning verification letters ABC permits and business licenses City zoning ordinance enforcement