Other Considerations for Rental Properties

Other Considerations

The following is a list of information that pertains to all dwellings on Beech Mountain. However, rental units are often occupied by visitors who may be unaware of Town Ordinances or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Please review the following items and be sure to implement as necessary.

911 Address Numbering (§ 154.272)

All dwelling units in the Town are required to display street numbers that are conspicuously visible and legible from the street in both directions. Numbers must maintain contrast to the background and be reflective. Numbers shall be at least 3” in height. Numbers may be affixed to the structure, mailboxes, posts, or trash bins so long they meet the intent of the ordinance.

Parking (§ 154.132 B)

All dwelling units are required to provide two accessible off-street parking spaces for up to three bedrooms, and one additional parking space for each additional bedroom. Dwelling units should not have more vehicles than parking spaces. Vehicles are not to park in the roadway or impede traffic in any fashion. Vehicles blocking the roadway can interfere with snow removal and/or emergency response and are subject to removal and citation. Additional long-term parking can be found at the Town Parking Lot on Bark Park Way.

Noise (§ 94.25)

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any excessive, unreasonable, or unusually loud noise or any noise which annoys, disturbs, frightens, injures, or endangers citizens within the corporate limits of the town. This includes, but is not limited to: horns, radios, stereos, yelling, shouting, animal or bird sounds, defects in motor vehicles, or lack of a vehicular muffler.

Deck Safety (§ 153.08 D)

Every deck shall be and remain in compliance with the North Carolina State Building Code and the zoning regulations for the town. Decks shall be constructed in a safe manner and with adequate weather resistant materials. Decks shall receive proper maintenance from the property owner to prevent deterioration. Deck construction and maintenance shall be subject to inspection and approval by the town Building Inspector or his or her designee.  The Building Inspector shall establish policies and procedures as to the inspection of decks to address safety concerns and compliance with applicable regulations, including a voluntary inspections program.

Chimney Safety (§ 153.08 A)

Chimneys must be safe for use as specified and intended, constructed, or installed and maintained in accordance with the North Carolina State Building Code. Chimneys that do not meet the minimum code requirements shall be repaired or sealed. All heating equipment and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Never leave a fire unattended or burning overnight. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. You should only burn natural fireplace wood or other fuels designed for indoor fireplaces. Throwing cardboard, plastics, and other trash into the fireplace can be hazardous to your health and create creosote in the flue, which can lead to a chimney fire.

Fire Safety

In the event of an emergency, always dial 911. Non-emergency contact information for local emergency agencies should be posted in a conspicuous location. If a fire escape plan has been created for the dwelling, it should be posted in a location where occupants can review. Egress points such as doors, windows in sleeping areas, and walkways should be kept clear of obstructions. Rooms without immediate access to ground level escape should consider emergency escape ladders that can be placed in or near windows to provide an additional escape route.