The Southport Code Enforcement Department has the main responsibility of enforcing all city codes recorded in the Southport General Code of Ordinances. The Department has several different divisions in which the duties of code enforcement are grouped. They are the following:

• Animal Control
• Fire Prevention
• Health/Sanitation
• Minimum Housing
• Solid Waste
• Miscellaneous/Other Duties
• Animal Control Division

The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for the enforcement of the animal control code, which is Section 3 of the Southport Code of Ordinances. Along with the enforcement of this code the City of Southport provides several services dealing with domesticated animals, as a benefit to city residents. They are as follows:

• Rabies Education
• Free Adoptions
• Low Cost Rabies Clinics
• Pet Responsibility Education
• City Licensing Program
• Stray/Abandon Animal Capture

The Code Enforcement Officer also performs several investigative functions. Under the Animal Control Division, the code official is a North Carolina State Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator. All animal cruelty/neglect cases are investigated through this department. Noise violations pertaining to animals are also investigated when a complaint is received. All animal bites/attacks must be reported, and investigated according to the North Carolina General Statues. Any and all animal related matters can be forwarded to the Code Enforcement Department for a prompt response.

The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for enforcing Section 7 of the Southport Code of Ordinances, which pertains to Fire Prevention and Protection. The Code Enforcement Officer also has the duty of Fire Inspections in the City of Southport and the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Currently the Code Enforcement officer hold a Level II Standard Certificate with the State of North Carolina as a Fire Prevention Officer.

Inspections may be scheduled by calling the office of the Code Enforcement officer. Fire Inspections must be done annually on many public/commercial buildings and structures. Questions can be directed to the code official. Any and all Fire Code Violations should be directed to the code enforcement officer immediately.

Also, through this division the following services are offered:

• Burning Permits
• Fire Prevention Education
• Pre-Fire Plans

The Southport Code of Ordinances addresses health and sanitation matters in chapter 9 of the city code. The Code Enforcement Officer has several programs that coincide with health and sanitation matters.

The Board of Alderman of the City of Southport has vested the code enforcement officer the authority to enforce this chapter. Health and Sanitation violations bring safety concerns to the community due to the inhabitation of mice, rats, snakes, or vermin of any kind which is dangerous to the public. The City wants everyone to have a safe environment to live in and to be free from unnecessary health and sanitation matters.

The Code Enforcement officer can assist you with the following matters pertaining to health and sanitation concerns:

• Standing Water/Mosquito Control
• Weed Control/Overgrown Lots
• Abandon/Junked Motor Vehicles
• County Clean-up Effort

The Minimum Housing code regulates housing standards in the City of Southport. The purpose of this code is to keep all structures up to code, which meets the minimum requirements for living conditions.

Deteriorated and dilapidated structures can either be brought up to code or demolished. The Brunswick County Code Enforcement Department has a no cost program for voluntary participation in the removal of dilapidated buildings. Information or Inspections can be scheduled by contacting the Code Enforcement Officer.

Section 15 of the Southport Code of Ordinances deals specifically with Solid Waste. The Code Enforcement Officer has enforcement rights of this code.

The City of Southport no longer picks up garbage or yard debris. A County wide contract is held with Waste Industries Inc. Any refuse placed in front of a residence will result in a citation with a fine. Arrangements must be made with Waste Industries Inc for special pickup of white goods, brown goods, or large amounts of yard debris.

Illegal dump sites in the City are being monitored by the Code Enforcement Officer and the Southport Police Department. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Any having any information in regards to illegal dumping or solid waste violations may call the code enforcement officer at 910-457-7926.

To arrange for special garbage pick up call
Waste Industries Inc
1-800-814-4544

• Regulate Signs & Fences
• Assist the Building Inspector
• Assist Police Department Records Division
• Respond to Fire & Rescue Calls
• Prepare & Deliver Planning Board Agendas
• Regulate violations on City right of ways