Winston-Salem's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, there are 5 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.

Property Blight

Winston-Salem enforces its Minimum Housing Code under Code Chapter 14 to abate blighted and unsafe properties. The Community Development Department can order repairs, vacation, or demolition of structures that are unfit for human habitation under NCGS 160D-1203.

Key details: Code Authority: NCGS 160D-1203. Local Code: Chapter 14 Article II. Process: Notice, hearing, order. Repair Window: 30 to 90 days. Appeal: Housing Board of Adjustment.

Owner-paid abatement costs (typically $300 to $5,000 for lot cleanup, up to $50,000+ for demolition) become a lien against the property. Civil penalties of $100 per day accrue for violations of final orders.

Compared to other cities, Winston-Salem takes a harder line on property blight. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Winston-Salem has no ordinance requiring residential property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks. Commercial property owners in the Downtown Business Improvement District are expected to clear sidewalks for pedestrian safety.

Key details: Residential: Not required. Commercial Downtown: Expected. City Streets: 3 priority tiers. Driveways: Owner responsibility. Liability: NC premises liability applies.

No direct civil penalty exists for residential failure to shovel. Commercial properties in the downtown BID may receive compliance notices. Civil liability for injuries can be significant.

Winston-Salem is more permissive than most cities when it comes to snow & sidewalk clearing. That said, there are still limits.

Trash Bin Storage

Winston-Salem City Code Chapter 46 requires trash and recycling carts to be stored out of public view between collection days. Carts may not remain at the curb longer than 24 hours after pickup and cannot be stored in front yards.

Key details: Curb Rule: Remove within 24 hours. Storage: Out of street view. Front Yard: Prohibited between pickups. Fine: $50-$100 per day. HOA: Often stricter than city.

First violation generates a warning and correction notice. Subsequent violations incur $50 to $100 civil penalties per day under Chapter 46. Continued noncompliance can lead to minimum housing code abatement action.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Owners of vacant lots in Winston-Salem must keep grass and weeds under 12 inches and remove trash and debris. The city can abate overgrown lots through the Weed Cutting Program and bill the owner with a lien for nonpayment.

Key details: Grass Limit: 12 inches maximum. Notice: 10 days to abate. City Action: Contracted mowing. Admin Fee: About $100 per abatement. Unpaid Bills: Become property liens.

Weed cutting abatement typically costs $150 to $400 per cycle, plus a $100 administrative fee. Repeated offenses can trigger $100 per day civil penalties.

Garage Sale Rules

Winston-Salem allows up to 4 garage or yard sales per household per calendar year. Each sale may last no more than 3 consecutive days and cannot start before 7:00 AM or continue past sunset.

Key details: Annual Limit: 4 sales per household. Duration: 3 consecutive days max. Hours: 7 AM to sunset. Permit: Not required under limit. Merchandise: Personal items only.

Exceeding the 4-sale limit or running sales outside allowed hours can result in $100 civil penalties. Operating as a retail business without a home occupation permit can trigger additional zoning enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Winston-Salem's property maintenance 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.