N.C. Gen. Stat. § § 160D-1202
Definitions.
Operative Text
The following definitions apply in this Article: (1) Owner. - The holder of the title in fee simple and every mortgagee of record. (2) Parties in interest. - All individuals, associations, and corporations that have interests of record in a dwelling and any that are in possession of a dwelling. (3) Public authority. - Any housing authority or any officer that is in charge of any department or branch of the government of the city, county, or State relating to health, fire, building regulations, or other activities concerning dwellings in the local government. (4) Public officer. - The officer authorized by ordinances adopted under this Article to exercise the powers prescribed by the ordinances and by this Article. (2019-111, s. 2.4; 2020-3, s. 4.33(a); 2020-25, s. 51(a), (b), (d); 2021-88, s. 1(h).)
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160D-1202 establishes the core definitions that govern how North Carolina's local housing ordinances are interpreted and applied. It identifies four key terms — 'owner,' 'parties in interest,' 'public authority,' and 'public officer' — each of which determines who holds rights, responsibilities, or enforcement powers under the Article. For example, 'owner' includes not just titleholders but also mortgagees of record, while 'parties in interest' extends to anyone with a recorded interest or actual possession of a dwelling.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160D-1202, property owners and mortgagees of record are both captured by the definition of 'owner,' meaning obligations and notices issued under local housing ordinances may apply to either party. Compliant operators generally ensure that all parties with recorded interests in a property are kept informed of any proceedings or orders issued by a public officer or public authority. Understanding which local official qualifies as the 'public officer' under a given municipality's ordinance helps operators know who has authority to inspect, issue orders, or take enforcement action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160D-1202 defines 'parties in interest' to include individuals who are in actual possession of a dwelling, which means tenants may be recognized as having a stake in proceedings brought under local housing ordinances. This definitional inclusion can be relevant when a public authority — such as a local health, fire, or building department — takes action regarding a dwelling's condition. Tenants who believe their dwelling is subject to enforcement action may wish to contact their local public authority or a tenant-rights organization to understand how these definitions affect their standing in any related proceedings.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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