Winston-Salem's Outdoor Cooking: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor cooking a little differently. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

BBQ & Propane Rules

Winston-Salem enforces the 2018 NC Fire Prevention Code. NCFC 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners and open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 ft of combustible construction at multi-family buildings. LP-gas cylinders over 2.5 lb are prohibited within 10 ft. One- and two-family dwellings and sprinklered buildings are exempt.

Key details: Code: NCFC 308.1.4. Multi-Family: 10-ft setback or sprinklered. LP Limit: 2.5 lb max within 10 ft. Exempt: 1- & 2-family dwellings.

Notice of violation under NCFC 308 and Winston-Salem fire-code authority, with civil penalties escalating from warning to substantial fines. Property-manager and HOA liability applies on common balconies. Insurance non-renewal is common; lease violations and eviction are routinely upheld.

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.

Outdoor Kitchen Permits

Built-in outdoor kitchens in Winston-Salem require permits for gas lines, electrical, plumbing, and any roofed structure under NCGS 160D-1110. Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are issued separately. Gas piping requires an NC-licensed contractor. Accessory structures must comply with UDO setback rules.

Key details: Authority: NCGS 160D-1110; UDO. Permits: Winston-Salem Inspections. Gas Permit: Licensed NC contractor. Threshold: >12 ft any dimension.

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. Historic district violations carry additional Historic Resources Commission enforcement.

Smoker Rules

Winston-Salem has no ordinance specifically targeting backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single- or two-family homes. The Chapter 46 noise/nuisance ordinance and NC air-quality rules under 15A NCAC 02D govern excessive smoke. At multi-family buildings, charcoal or wood-fired smokers must comply with NCFC 308.1.4 clearance from combustible construction.

Key details: Specific Smoker Rule: None. Nuisance Authority: Ch. 46; County Health. State Air Rule: 15A NCAC 02D. Multi-Family: NCFC 308 applies.

Code Enforcement nuisance citations typically begin with a warning then escalate to civil penalties under Chapter 46. Forsyth County Health may issue health-nuisance orders. NC DEQ retains state enforcement authority. Multi-family NCFC 308 violations are cited by the Fire Marshal.

Winston-Salem is more permissive than most cities when it comes to smoker rules. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Winston-Salem's outdoor cooking 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.

This guide is based on Winston-Salem's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.