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Winston-Salem, NC Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Code § 74-17
Covers
streets, sidewalks, bridges, walkways
Trigger
must actually hinder passage
Max fine
$500.00 per offense
Speech carve-out
talking/speech-making exempted

Summary

City code defines standing or lying on a sidewalk as unlawful "obstruction" whenever it blocks pedestrian passage, entry to a building, or forces someone off the sidewalk into the street.

Obstruct means to interfere with pedestrian or vehicular travel by any means, including but not limited to standing or lying on any sidewalk or walkway that is fit for pedestrian travel... It shall be unlawful for any person to block or obstruct a public street, sidewalk, bridge, or walkway in such a manner as to: (1) Prevent or hinder the free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic thereon...

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 Code § 74-17 defines "obstruct" to expressly include standing or lying on any sidewalk or walkway fit for pedestrian travel. The operative prohibition in § 74-17(b) bars blocking a public street, sidewalk, bridge, or walkway in a way that prevents or hinders free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, hinders entry to a building or business, or forces a pedestrian to leave the sidewalk to get around the person. Section 74-17(c) carves out an express First Amendment exception for stopping to talk or speak, provided the space to pass remains open.

Violations & Fines

A class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00 for each offense (§ 74-17(e)).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sitting or lying on a Winston-Salem sidewalk illegal by itself?
Only if it blocks pedestrians from passing, hinders entry to a building, or forces someone into the street to get around: the code targets the obstruction, not sitting alone.
Can someone stop on a sidewalk to talk or make a speech?
Yes. § 74-17(c) protects stopping to talk or engage in First Amendment activity as long as pedestrians can still get by without leaving the sidewalk.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Winston-Salem

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome 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 homelessness & encampment rules overview

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