How Winston-Salem Handles Building Safety: A Practical Guide

Winston-Salem maintains 129 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 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.

Pest Control

Winston-Salem requires property owners to maintain premises free of rodent and insect infestation under the minimum housing code. Pesticide applicators must be licensed by NC Department of Agriculture. Landlords responsible for infestations from structural defects.

Key details: Code: Chapter 42 Minimum Housing. Landlord Duty: Structural infestations. Applicator License: NCDA required commercial. Mosquito: Forsyth County Environmental Health. Penalty: Up to 100 per day.

Minimum housing violations: notice to abate within 30 days, then civil penalties up to 100 dollars per day. Unlicensed pesticide application: state penalties.

Elevator Maintenance

Elevators in Winston-Salem are inspected and permitted by the NC Department of Labor Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau under NCGS 95-110.5. Annual inspections are required and a current certificate of operation must be posted in every elevator cab.

Key details: Authority: NC Department of Labor. Statute: NCGS 95-110.5. Inspection: Annual required. Code: ASME A17.1. Emergency Phone: 24-hour monitored required.

Operating an elevator without a current certificate is a violation of NCGS 95-110.5 and can result in stop-use orders and civil penalties.

This is one of the stricter rules in Winston-Salem's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

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.

Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed

Winston-Salem scaffolding must comply with NC State Building Code and OSHA standards. Commercial scaffolds over 10 feet require inspection. Sidewalk obstruction permits required from the Department of Transportation when work extends into public right-of-way.

Key details: Code: NC State Building Code + OSHA. Guardrails: Required over 10 feet. ROW Permit: Required for sidewalk use. Inspection: Daily by competent person. Authority: Inspections Division.

OSHA violations subject to federal penalties. Right-of-way obstruction without permit: stop-work order and fines.

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.