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Winston-Salem, NC Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

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

Key Facts

Rule
Rat-harboring buildings are a nuisance
Notice period
5 days to correct
Enforcement
City abates, then liens property
Animal feed
Must be in ratproof containers
Citation
Code § 62-2(a)(6); § 6-13

Summary

Winston-Salem's sanitation code makes it a nuisance to maintain any building or premises that provides food, shelter, or protection for rats, backed by a five-day abatement notice and a property lien if the owner doesn't fix it.

(a) General enumeration. The following are hereby declared to be nuisances: ... (6) Any building or premises which is constructed or maintained in such a manner so as to provide food, shelter or protection for rats.

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

Under § 62-2(a)(6), any building or premises "constructed or maintained in such a manner so as to provide food, shelter or protection for rats" is declared a nuisance citywide. Per § 62-3, the assistant city manager for public works can inspect property and, after giving the owner five days' notice to correct the condition, has authority to remove or remedy it directly; unpaid abatement costs become a lien on the property under G.S. 160A-193. A related provision, § 6-13, separately requires anyone keeping feed for chickens, cows, pigs, horses, or other animals to store it in rat-free, ratproof containers, compartments, or rooms, or inside a ratproof building.

Violations & Fines

Uncorrected rat-harborage conditions let the assistant city manager for public works abate them directly after a five-day notice; the abatement expense becomes a lien on the property under G.S. 160A-193.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a rat nuisance under Winston-Salem's code?
Any building or premises "constructed or maintained" so as to provide food, shelter, or protection for rats, per § 62-2(a)(6).
What happens if I ignore a rat-harborage notice?
After five days, the city can abate the condition itself under § 62-3, then place a lien on the property for the cost under G.S. 160A-193.
Do I have to keep animal feed in ratproof containers?
Yes. § 6-13 requires feed for chickens, cows, pigs, horses, and other animals to be kept in rat-free, ratproof containers, compartments, or rooms, or a ratproof building.

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 public health rules overview

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