Winston-Salem, NC Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum driveway width
- 10 feet
- Max front-yard coverage
- 30% (up to 50% circular drives)
- Per-vehicle penalty
- $25.00
- Uncorrected-surface penalty
- $150.00 or 10% of abatement cost
- Applies in
- RS, RSQ, RM zoning districts
Summary
Winston-Salem bars parking vehicles, boats, campers or trailers on front lawns unless on an improved driveway or pad at least 10 feet wide, capped at 30% of the front yard.
It shall be prohibited for any person owning or having control of a motor vehicle, water craft, non-motorized camper or any trailer designed to either be pulled by a motor vehicle or to carry a water craft, camper or motor vehicle to park or allow to be parked at any time in the front yards ... other than on an improved driveway or improved parking pad that is a minimum of ten feet in width. ... the total improved parking and driveway area shall not exceed 30 percent of the front yard area.
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
City Code § 42-173(a) prohibits parking a motor vehicle, watercraft, non-motorized camper, or trailer in the front yard except on an improved driveway or parking pad at least 10 feet wide. Total improved driveway/parking area is capped at 30% of the front yard (up to 50% for circular drives on new single-family lots, and narrower limits for cluster and townhouse lots under § 42-173(a)(2)). "Improved" means paved with asphalt, concrete, brick or pavers, or at least 2 inches of gravel with a defined edge, per § 42-173(c). The rule applies citywide but designated "no parking on the lawn" areas under § 42-173(b) carry added petition-based enforcement, and it applies only in RS, RSQ, and RM zoning districts per § 42-173(b)(4).
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty of $25.00 per vehicle under § 42-175(c)(10) for parking on the lawn in violation of § 42-173. Separately, uncorrected front-yard surface violations under § 42-173(h) draw a $150.00 (or 10% of abatement cost, whichever is greater) civil penalty, city abatement, and a lien on the property after a 30-day notice period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my boat or RV on my front lawn in Winston-Salem?
What counts as an "improved" surface?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina parking rules overview
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