Burke County staff propose rewritten Chapter 10 to modernize building inspections, add housing appeals option

Alan Glines, Burke County planning director, told commissioners the proposed ordinance (20‑26‑01) largely replaces the county’s Chapter 10 with modernized language drawn from the state recodification commonly referenced in the meeting as “160D.” Glines said the change is intended to make inspection, notice and enforcement procedures clearer and to codify duties and qualifications for building‑inspections staff.

"Most of that ordinance dates from 1991," Glines said, and the new text is intended to bring the county into compliance and reflect contemporary permitting and inspection practices. He said the draft adds an option to establish a housing appeals board as a backstop to building‑inspector orders and clarifies an appeal process for unsafe‑structure determinations.

Commissioners asked whether the Board of Adjustment could serve as the housing appeals board or if a separate board would be required. Glines replied the statute allows flexibility and staff can clarify whether the Board of Adjustment could serve in that role; he also said staff will provide a clearer crosswalk between old and new text before the regular meeting.

Several commissioners pressed staff on how often these appeals occur and on how the county will balance inspector authority with property‑owner rights. Glines said such hearings have been “rare” historically and the aim is to provide additional review steps and more predictable administrative procedures rather than expand enforcement in routine cases.

The board did not take final action; staff will supply a red‑line or section‑by‑section comparison for commissioners and the item remains on the public hearing agenda for a future regular meeting.