Winston-Salem UDO Section 5.3.4 permits one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot in most residential zones. February 2022 amendment UDO-CC15 removed City Council approval so zoning staff approve ADUs. Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are issued separately under NCGS 160D-1110.
Winston-Salem and Forsyth County share a single Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) administered jointly by the City-County Planning Board. UDO Section 5.3.4 (Dwellings, Accessory - Attached and Detached) governs ADU standards. In February 2022, City Council adopted UDO-CC15, which streamlined ADU approval by removing the prior requirement for individual City Council approval, eliminating a $1,000 minimum fee, and shortening the review timeline. Key standards: (1) one ADU per single-family lot; (2) permitted in most single-family residential districts (RS9 and similar); (3) ADU size is limited as a percentage of the principal dwelling's heated floor area, confirmed per parcel via the UDO ClearCode Principal Use Table; (4) attached, detached, basement conversion, attic conversion, and garage conversion are all permitted forms; (5) design must match the principal dwelling (roofing, siding, window style, exterior color); (6) accessory-structure setbacks apply. Permits are issued by Winston-Salem Inspections Division at Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 E. First Street, under NC General Statute 160D-1110, which requires separate building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Applicable codes are the 2018 NC Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes. Historic overlay districts (Old Salem, Bethabara, West End, Washington Park, etc.) require Historic Resources Commission Certificate of Appropriateness before permits issue.
Unpermitted work triggers a Stop Work Order under NCGS 160D-1116. Doubled permit fees, daily civil penalties, and required removal or after-the-fact permitting are standard. Open-permit records prevent property sale until resolved.
Winston-Salem, NC
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Winston-Salem, NC
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Winston-Salem, NC
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Winston-Salem, NC
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