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Building Safety

How Winston-Salem Handles Building Safety: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Winston-Salem maintains 88 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with building safety. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Winston-Salem falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Electrical Permits

Winston-Salem requires a permit and electrical-inspector approval before any wiring, device, or equipment installation or alteration, with only licensed electrical contractors normally eligible to obtain one.

Key details: Permit required for: wiring installation or alteration. Issued only to: state-licensed electrical contractors. Minimum permit fee: $75.00. Concealed wiring: inspected before covering. Penalty: class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500.

Violating section 10-242 is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine up to $500.00 per § 10-242(i). Work performed without a permit also draws a late fee equal to the permit cost under § 10-245.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Existing occupied dwelling units with a fossil-fuel heater, appliance, fireplace, or attached garage must have at least one operable, UL-listed carbon monoxide alarm per level under the city's minimum housing code.

Key details: Compliance deadline: December 1, 2018. Coverage: One alarm per level. Trigger condition: Fossil-fuel appliance or garage. Listing standard: ANSI/UL2034 or ANSI/UL2075. Enforced by: Housing conservation administrator.

A missing or inoperable alarm makes the unit substandard under § 10-193(12); the housing conservation administrator can issue a repair order under §§ 10-196 and 10-203, and noncompliance with such an order carries a civil penalty of $350 for the first day and $100 for each day after under § 10-210.

Lead Paint

Winston-Salem homes built before 1978 are subject to the federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. Contractors disturbing paint in pre-1978 homes must be EPA RRP certified. NC Health and Human Services runs a lead poisoning prevention program under NCGS 130A-131.5.

Key details: Rule: EPA RRP 40 CFR 745. Threshold: 6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior. Housing Age: Pre-1978. State Program: NCGS 130A-131.5. Max Fine: 37,500 per day EPA.

Uncertified contractors face EPA civil penalties up to 37,500 dollars per day per violation. Disclosure failures trigger federal civil liability.

Building Permits

Winston-Salem requires an inspections division permit for deck and patio construction unless the total job cost is $5,000 or less and the work avoids load-bearing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or roofing changes.

Key details: Exemption threshold: $5,000.00 or less, single-family/farm. Enforcing office: City inspections division. Max fine: $500.00, class 3 misdemeanor. Loses exemption if: Load-bearing, plumbing, or electrical work involved. Permit expiry: Void after 12 months idle.

Working without a required permit is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00, and the inspections director can issue a written stop-work order halting the job.

Plumbing Permits

Any installation, extension, or general repair of a plumbing system in Winston-Salem requires a permit from the city's inspections division before work begins, under Code of Ordinances § 10-2(a).

Key details: Permit required: Before any plumbing installation or repair. Issuing office: City inspections division. Minimum permit fee: $75.00 (§ 10-163(a)(2)f). Contractor bond: $2,500.00 (§ 10-164). Sign-off: Certificate of compliance after final inspection.

Unpermitted plumbing work is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, subjecting the offender to a fine of not more than $500.00 for each violation of § 10-2(a).

The Bottom Line

Winston-Salem's building safety rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Winston-Salem is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Winston-Salem can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.