Accessory Structures in Winston-Salem, NC (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Winston-Salem allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in specific residential zoning districts under its Unified Development Ordinances. ADUs must meet size, setback, and owner-occupancy standards, and short-term rental use is separately regulated.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Winston-Salem UDO Section 5.3.4 permits one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot in most residential zones. February 2022 amendment UDO-CC15 removed City Council approval so zoning staff approve ADUs. Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are issued separately under NCGS 160D-1110.
Winston-Salem ADU Permits (UDO Sec. 5.3.4)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Winston-Salem does not impose a general residential impact fee on ADUs. Under NCGS Chapter 162A, the city charges water and sewer system development fees only when a new lateral is installed; ADUs sharing the primary service typically owe no SDF. Standard building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees apply.
Winston-Salem ADU Impact Fees (No General Impact Fee; SDF if New Lateral)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Winston-Salem UDO Sec. 5.3.4 conditions ADU approval on common ownership of the principal dwelling and ADU; the lot cannot be subdivided. NC HB 409, which would have preempted local owner-occupancy mandates, did not pass the Senate. HOA covenants in deed-restricted neighborhoods may impose stricter rules.
Winston-Salem ADU Owner-Occupancy (UDO Sec. 5.3.4)
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Winston-Salem permits long-term ADU rentals subject to UDO 5.3.4 common ownership. The city currently has no general STR zoning permit; Forsyth County's STR regime applies only in A1 and Ag-Res zones. Under Schroeder v. City of Wilmington (2019), NC cities cannot outright prohibit STRs but may regulate them.
Winston-Salem ADU Rental Restrictions (No City STR Permit; Schroeder Limits)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds in Winston-Salem under 144 square feet and less than 12 feet tall are typically exempt from a building permit but still must meet zoning setbacks. Larger sheds require a building permit and may require a zoning clearance.
Accessory Structures: Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Winston-Salem requires building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits, and must meet the NC Residential Code for habitable space. Converted garages count toward ADU rules when used as a dwelling unit.
Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Winston-Salem require a building permit and must meet front, side, and rear setbacks set by the zoning district. Metal freestanding carports in front yards are restricted in most residential districts.
Accessory Structures: Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes on a permanent foundation are treated as single-family dwellings in Winston-Salem and must meet the NC Residential Code plus zoning minimum lot and building standards. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences in most residential districts.