North Carolina § 160A-217 - Petition for street or sidewalk improvements.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 160A-217 — Petition for street or sidewalk improvements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 160A-217. Petition for street or sidewalk improvements.
A city shall have no power to levy special assessments for street or sidewalk improvements unless it receives a petition for the improvements signed by at least a majority in number of the owners of property to be assessed, who must represent at least a majority of all the lineal feet of frontage of the lands abutting on the street or portion thereof to be improved. Unless the petition specifies another percentage, not more than fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the improvement may be assessed (not including the cost of improvements made at street intersections). Property owned by the United States shall not be included in determining the lineal feet of frontage on the improvement, nor shall the United States be included in determining the number of owners of property abutting the improvement. Property owned by the State of North Carolina shall be included in determining frontage and the number of owners only if the State has consented to assessment in the manner provided in G.S. 160A-221. Property owned by railroad companies shall be included in determining frontage and the number of owners to the extent that the property is subject to assessment under G.S. 160A-222. Property owned by railroad companies that is not subject to assessment shall not be included in determining frontage and the number of owners. If it is necessary to exclude property owned by the United States, the State of North Carolina, or a railroad company in order to obtain a valid petition under subsection (a), not more than fifty percent (50%) of the cost (not including the cost of improvement at street intersections) may be assessed unless all of the owners subject to assessment agree to a higher percentage. No right of action or defense asserting the invalidity of street or sidewalk assessments on grounds that the city did not comply with this section in securing a valid petition shall be asserted except in an action or proceeding begun within 90 days after publication of the notice of adoption of the preliminary assessment resolution. History (1915, c. 56, ss. 4, 5; C.S., ss. 2706, 2707; 1955, c. 675; 1963, c. 1000, s. 1; 1971, c. 698, s. 1; 1973, c. 426, s. 33.) Local Modification. - City of Beech Mountain: 1995, c. 133, s. 1; City of Laurinburg: 2000-13, s. 1; city of Oxford: 1993, c. 240, s. 1; town of Ahoskie: 1987, c. 261; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 962; town of Carrboro: 1987, c. 476, s. 1; town of Tabor City: 2002-13; town of Wake Forest: 1989, c. 347, s. 1. City of Beech Mountain: 1995, c. 133, s. 1; City of Laurenburg: 2000-13, s. 1; city of Oxford: 1993, c. 240, s. 1; town of Ahoskie: 1987, c. 261; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 962; town of Carrboro: 1987, c. 476, s. 1; town of Tabor City: 2002-13, s. 1; town of Wake Forest: 1989, c. 347, s. 1.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 160A-217
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 160A-217 cover?
Section 160A-217 ("Petition for street or sidewalk improvements.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 160A-217?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 160A-217" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 160A-217 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.