Alarm Ordinance
The Town of Matthews enacted this ordinance to reduce the number of 'false' alarm calls received by our police and fire departments. Annually, our departments respond to more than 2,000 alarm calls, more than 70% of those being 'false alarms'. The ordinance (
click here) requires all alarm systems to be registered with the town. To download a registration form,
click here; there is no cost to register.
- Payment Of Fines: Payments should be delivered or mailed to the Town of Matthews Finance Office located in town hall, 232 Matthews Station St., or call 704-847-4411 ext. 240. Please refer to your invoice for further details.
Discharge of Firearms
This ordinance (
click here) prohibits the discharging of firearms, to include bows & arrows, within the town limits unless having obtained a permit (
click here) from the Town Council. The permit describes the requirements and the police department conducts a safety investigation before submiting the issue to the Town Council. Citizens are still responsible for complying with all other state laws & N.C. Wildlife guidelines.
Child Safety (Helmet) Ordinance
This ordinance (
click here) requires all children & youth under the age of 16 to wear approved safety helmets anytime riding a wheeled instrument (bike, skateboard, etc.) upon a sidewalk, street or any public property.
Child Passenger Safety Law
North Carolina has specific laws regulating how passengers under the age of 16 can ride in a vehicle. More information about these laws can be found (
click here) on the BuckleUpNC web site.
Noise Ordinance
This ordinance (
click here) sets the community standards for reasonable noise levels, designates absolute (decibel) limits for certain sounds, and established a permit process through which citizens can obtain permits for special events utilizing amplified sound systems.
Peddlers, Solicitors & Itinerant Merchants
This ordinance (
click here) requires any person or business wishing to sell products or services door-to-door or at any temporary location (i.e. parking lots) to first obtain a permit from the town council. Applicants must submit to a criminal history check and permits issued, which include a photo of the permit holder, must be worn or immediately presented when approaching any citizen.
Graduated Driver's License Information
North Carolina has a system in place to allow new drivers to be introduced to the driving privilege slowly as they gain experience. For more information about this process and associated laws, click here.
To search for other North Carolina state laws, you can go to the General Assembly's official web-site: