How Winston-Salem Handles Building Setbacks & Zoning: A Practical Guide

Winston-Salem maintains 129 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. 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.

Structure Height Limits

Winston-Salem residential height limits typically cap structures at 35 feet or 2.5 stories in single-family zones. Commercial and downtown districts allow greater heights. Accessory structures limited to 15 feet. Heights measured per UDO definitions from average grade.

Key details: Residential: 35 feet / 2.5 stories. Multi-family: 45-50 feet. Commercial: 35-65 feet. Accessory: 15 feet max. Downtown: Taller with review.

Height violations: stop-work order, removal of offending portions, civil penalties 500 dollars or more.

Lot Coverage Limits

Winston-Salem limits impervious lot coverage to 35-50 percent in single-family residential zones depending on district. Coverage includes principal building, accessory structures, driveways, and patios. Higher coverage allowed with stormwater mitigation.

Key details: RS-9: 45-50 percent. RS-15: 40 percent. RS-20: 35 percent. Commercial: 70-80 percent. Pervious: Reduced counting.

Coverage violations: building permit denial, removal of excess impervious surface, civil penalties.

Setback Rules

Winston-Salem residential setbacks typically require 30-foot front, 10-foot side, and 25-foot rear yards in single-family zones. Exact setbacks depend on zoning district per UDO. Corner lots have street-side setback requirements on both street frontages.

Key details: Front Yard: 30 feet typical. Side Yard: 10 feet typical. Rear Yard: 25 feet typical. Accessory: 5 feet reduced. Variance: Board of Adjustment.

Setback violations: stop-work order, corrective action, civil penalty 100 to 500 dollars per day until compliance.

The Bottom Line

Winston-Salem's building setbacks & zoning 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.