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Property Maintenance in Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

5 verified property maintenance rules for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

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.

Property Maintenance: Trash Bins

Some Restrictions

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.

Property Maintenance: Property Blight

Heavy Restrictions

N.C.G.S. 160D-1203 (Ordinance authorized as to repair, closing, and demolition; order of public officer)

Upon the adoption of an ordinance finding that dwelling conditions of the character described in G.S. 160D-1201 exist, the governing board is authorized to adopt and enforce ordinances relating to dwellings within the planning and development regulation jurisdiction that are unfit for human habitation. These ordinances shall include the following provisions: (1) Designation of enforcement offic...

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.

Property Maintenance: Vacant Lots

Some Restrictions

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.

Property Maintenance: Snow Sidewalk Clearing

Few Restrictions

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.

Property Maintenance: Garage Sale Rules

Some Restrictions