Officials declined comment on what their preliminary findings were.

The deadline for compliance is July 16. Halifax County Superior Court Judge Alma L. Hinton said the consent order in April.

County Health Director Bruce Robistow said today was a preliminary inspection for compliance. He said health department inspectors were looking at issues regarding the safety of the facility on Jackson Street, its cleanliness, whether it was in good repair and its sanitary conditions.

The Carolina Inn lost its lodging permit to operate as a motel in May of 2010, according to a health department complaint investigation into the presence of bed bugs and roaches in one of its rooms.

Since 2010 the inn has operated under an exemption by renting rooms on weekly or monthly basis and only four rooms on a nightly basis. According to the complaint investigation, that meant the health department has no authority to enforce pest management.

The aim of the consent order is for the motel to again be permitted as a lodging facility rather than a boarding house.

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Roanoke Rapids Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky said her department was looking at the facility from a standpoint of its structural soundness and what repairs were being made to bring the facility up to code. She noted re-striping of the parking lot is needed as well as it having adequate handicapped parking for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Inspectors were also looking to see if the facility was adequately ventilated and if there were any electrical code violations.

“We’re just following through with the consent order,” Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said. “Any findings will be reported to the court if necessary.”