Winston-Salem, NC Outdoor Cooking: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (2026)

Winston-Salem outdoor kitchens are regulated jointly by the UDO (zoning) and Winston-Salem Inspections (building and trades). NC General Statute 160D-1110 establishes that building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are issued separately. Permits are required when an outdoor kitchen involves any of the following: (1) Gas line extension from the home or a permanent propane connection - requires an NC-licensed plumbing or mechanical contractor and a mechanical permit, with work governed by the 2018 NC Fuel Gas Code; (2) Permanent electrical wiring - requires an electrical permit; (3) Water and drain plumbing for a sink - requires a plumbing permit; (4) Any roof, pergola, or attached structure - requires a building permit with structural details under the 2018 NC Residential Code. A building permit is generally required for any accessory structure over 12 ft in any dimension. UDO accessory-structure setback rules apply - accessory structures must be located behind the front building line, outside required side and rear setbacks (typically 5 ft in residential districts), and outside any dedicated public or private easements. Freestanding portable grills with no permanent utility connections do not require a permit. Wind-load design follows the NC Residential Code (basic wind speed approximately 115 mph ultimate for Winston-Salem). Historic Resources Commission Certificate of Appropriateness is required first for properties in Old Salem, Bethabara, West End, Washington Park, and other historic overlay districts.