Code Enforcement
Mission Statement
Fremont Code Enforcement is committed to the detection, enforcement investigation and prevention of violations of statutes and ordinances regulating public health, safety, and welfare to improve and maintain the quality of life and environment for all Fremont residents
Code Enforcement Division
The Fremont Code Enforcement Division assists residents and business owners to ensure compliance with laws, ordinances, and codes related to public health, safety, and welfare, including building standards, property maintenance, and zoning. Code enforcement officers inspect properties, investigate complaints, and work with property owners to correct violations, such as tall grass, deteriorated structures, or unsafe conditions, to maintain community standards and quality of life.
Nuisance Abatements
The Town of Fremont, like all North Carolina local governments, has the authority to levy nuisance abatements. Nuisance abatements occur when a local government takes action “to remove, abate, or remedy anything that is dangerous or prejudicial to the public health or safety,” (N.C. G.S. §160A-193 and Town of Fremont Ordinance 96.05 – 96.10) such as overgrown vegetation or trash-filled lots.
A lien is automatically created on the taxpayer’s real estate when an abatement occurs (N.C. G.S. §160A-193 and Town of Fremont Ordinance 96.05 – 96.10). Nuisance abatements are owed in full at the time the violation is given. Should the abatement remain unpaid, the lien can be enforced using all remedies available for property tax collection such as foreclosure, attachment of wages, bank accounts, rental income, or levy and sale of personal property. This is commonly known as the Machinery Act (NC G.S. §105-368). The lien remains attached to the property until satisfied in full regardless of subsequent ownership transfers. In addition to the collection mechanisms authorized under the Machinery Act, the Town uses debt setoff for collections authorized by the Debt Setoff Collection Act (NC G.S. §105A).
Anyone contemplating the purchase of property within the Town of Fremont or its ETJ, should contact the Finance department (Wayne County Tax Department) for a written verification of taxes, special assessments, and nuisance abatements. Transferring of the property does not extinguish the lien, and all subsequent owners will be responsible for satisfying the debt.
Keith L. Spivey
Code Enforcement Officer
Phone: (919) 242-5151
Fax: (919) 242- 7212
Email1: neighborhoodimprovement@fremontnc.gov
Email 2: kspivey@fremontnc.gov
Enforcement Process Education
While many believe problems can be immediately resolved by a visit from the Code Enforcement officer, there is often a due process that must take place to achieve compliance.
- Problem identified (through citizen complaint or officer detection)
- Certified letter sent to the property owner detailing the Town ordinance violation
- 7 to 10 days are given to the property owner to respond to the letter (from date of confirmed violation)
- After that time has elapsed, a second inspection is conducted on the property
- If the property is not brought into compliance, a bid goes out to contractors to resolve the issue (weed cutting, removal of junk vehicle, etc.)
- The property owner is then billed by the Town of Fremont for payment of the services rendered to bring the property into compliance
A similar process is involved for structures that are abandoned or structurally unsound. However, those require action by the Town Board before the structure can be alleviated.
Neighborhood Improvement
Nuisance Abatement
Inspectors canvas assigned neighborhoods and respond to complaints. Fremont Ordinance Chapter 90, chapter 96 and chapter 150 outline specifics of potential nuisances.
You can report a violation by using one of the following methods:
Phone: (919) 242-5151
Fax: (919) 242-7212
Email: neighborhoodimprovement@fremontnc.gov.
Website: fremontnc.gov (use the ‘Contact Us’ tab
Abandoned Vehicles
Those vehicles left at a vacant house, deemed abandoned by the owner or left on the public street without proper tags. These vehicles can be towed if left unattended on any public street or highway for a period of 7 days.
Nuisance Vehicles
Vehicles that pose a possible health hazard or public nuisance as indicated by any of the following conditions: Breeding ground for pests, core of growth for heavy weeds, vehicle has jagged metal parts or glass, is a point of collection for water, debris/waste or chemicals or is declared a public nuisance by the Town Board. These vehicles would also be tagged and towed in 15 days.
The Town of Fremont is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
© 2025 Town Of Fremont | Powered by GooRoo