Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, NC Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Code ch. 75, art. I
Max civil penalty
$1,000/day (Category III)
Enforcing agency
Stormwater Division
Applies to
City limits + ETJ
Repeat offense
Bumped up one penalty tier

Summary

Winston-Salem bans dumping anything but stormwater into its municipal storm drain system, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day enforced by the Stormwater Division under Chapter 75.

It shall be unlawful for any person to allow, directly or indirectly, anything other than stormwater, whether solid, liquid or vegetative, to be discharged, deposited or placed in such location that it may reach or be blown or scattered into the MS4, except for the following:

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).

Full Breakdown

Winston-Salem's Illicit Stormwater Discharge and Connection Ordinance (Code of Ordinances ch. 75, art. I) makes it unlawful to discharge anything other than stormwater, paint, wash water, industrial byproducts, into the city's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), with narrow listed exemptions like water line flushing, landscape irrigation, and firefighting runoff. Illicit physical connections to the MS4 are banned outright. The Stormwater Division investigates violations, can suspend a violator's MS4 access in emergencies, and assesses tiered civil penalties that escalate for larger discharges, industrial byproducts, and repeat offenders within a 12-month period.

Violations & Fines

Civil penalties by category: up to $100/day for minor household spills, $500/day for larger, industrial, or unidentified discharges, $1,000/day for illicit connections or repeat offenses, plus cleanup costs, attorney's fees, and possible injunctive relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an illicit discharge in Winston-Salem?
Anything other than stormwater, paint, wastewater, industrial byproducts, placed where it can reach the city's storm drain system (MS4), with limited exemptions like irrigation runoff.
What happens if I violate the stormwater ordinance?
The Stormwater Division can issue a notice of violation, require cleanup, and assess civil penalties up to $1,000 per day, plus the city's enforcement and litigation costs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Winston-Salem

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Winston-Salem rules

Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina environmental rules overview

Get notified when Stormwater Management in Winston-Salem, NC changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.