Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition. Amends GS 153A-364(a) (counties) and GS 160A-424 (cities) to clarify that reasonable cause to inspect also includes when the landlord or owner has a history of more than two verified violations of ordinances or codes within the last 12-month period (was “a substantial history of noncompliance”), or when violations of ordinances or codes are visible from the outside of the property. Deletes specific requirement that an inspection department not discriminate between owner-occupied and tenant-occupied structures in conducting inspections. Also clarifies that while a county or city may require periodic inspections as part of a targeted effort within a designated geographic area, the county or municipality will not discriminate in the selection of areas to be targeted and must provide notice and information to residents as set out in the act. Prohibits ordinances which require registration, application, or permission from the county or city to lease or rent residential property, or require participation in any government program as a condition of obtaining a certificate of occupancy, or that levy a special fee or tax on residential property not also levied against other commercial and residential properties. Makes other clarifying changes.