Code of Ordinances Revision Project

The Town of Garner's Legal Services Department is planning a thorough review and update of its Code of Ordinances. This effort aims to ensure that local laws align with state regulations and address the Town's current needs.

The existing Code of Ordinances was first adopted in 1973, with some laws dating back to 1959. It encompasses the Town Charter and various regulatory provisions, excluding those within the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Notably, the Charter can only be amended through a local act approved by the General Assembly.

The Planning Department oversees updates to the UDO, while the Code Revision Project will involve collaboration across all Town departments. This long-term project will review and revise 17 of the Code's chapters, which cover a range of Town ordinances.

Public Input

As part of this process, we invite residents to provide feedback and suggestions on proposed changes to the Code. Public input is crucial because it allows the Town to gather diverse perspectives and concerns from the community.

 CHAPTER  REVISION STATUS    LINKS
Charter 

April 27, 2026: Senate Bill 841 was introduced at the request of the Town to increase the Town Manager’s Settlement Authority from $100 to $10,000.

April 30, 2026: House Bill 1215 was introduced at the request of the Town to increase the Town Manager’s Settlement Authority from $100 to $10,000.

Senate Bill 841

Senate Bill 1215


Chapter 1: General Provisions

 TBD

Chapter 2: Administration

 TBD  

Chapter 3: Animals and Fowl

 
April 21, 2026:  Town Council approved amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance by adopting Ordinance No. (2026) 5382.

October 21, 2025 – Town Council approved increasing the number of backyard hens from 8 to 10 by adopting Ordinance No. (2025) 5369.

5382 - Animal Control Amendments

5369 - Backyard Hens Amendment

Chapter 4: Fire Prevention and Protection

 Staff review
  

Chapter 5: Garbage, Refuse, Rubbish, and Waste

 TBD  

Chapter 6: Health and Sanitation (Nuisance Ordinance)
 		 April 15, 2025: Town Council approved comprehensive amendments to the Nuisance Ordinance by adopting Ordinance No. (2025) 5330. 5330 -Nuisance Ordinance

Chapter 7: Minimum Housing 

 TBD  

Chapter 9: Licenses and Business Regulations Generally 

 TBD  

Chapter 10: Motor Vehicles and Traffic 


Staff review of new ordinances to address obstruction of mailboxes, grass clippings on streets, e-bikes on sidewalks.

June 2, 2026 & October 30, 2025:  Discussion of proposed codification of traffic control ordinances onto a map

September 30, 2025: Request for Golf Cart Ordinance withdrawn. Residents may operate low-speed vehicles in compliance with current State law.

May 20, 2025: Town Council approved amendments to the Junked and Abandoned Motor Vehicles Ordinance by adopting Ordinance (2025) 5334.

 5334 - Junked Vehicles 

Chapter 11: Offenses

 Staff review of Noise Ordinance and new ordinance to address public urination and defecation
  

Chapter 12: Parks and Recreation

 TBD  

Chapter 13.1: Planning

 Reviewed with Unified Development Ordinance   

Chapter 14: Police

 Staff review
  

Chapter 15: Streets and Sidewalks

 TBD  

Chapter 16: Vehicles for Hire

 TBD  

Chapter 17: Water and Sewers

 TBD  

Chapter 18 Weapons and Explosives

 Staff review
  

Chapter 19: Building and Building Regulations 

 TBD