Winston-Salem, NC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Assistant city manager/public works
- Standard
- No safety or traffic impairment
- Beyond staff authority
- City council approval
- Repair/removal window
- 60 days after notice
- Max fine
- $500.00
Summary
Winston-Salem requires an encroachment permit for anything built under, above, or across a public street or sidewalk, issued by the public works office only if it won't endanger the public or block traffic.
An encroachment permit is required for any encroachment under, above or across the streets or sidewalks of the city... The assistant city manager/public works or his designee may issue encroachment permits... upon his determination that such encroachment does not or would not: (1) Be detrimental to the public health or safety; or (2) Impair the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic. All other encroachments must be approved by the city council.
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 Code of Ordinances § 74-103(a), any encroachment under, above, or across a city street or sidewalk needs a permit from the assistant city manager/public works, who may issue it only after finding the encroachment won't be detrimental to public health or safety and won't impair pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow. Encroachments beyond staff authority go to city council for approval. Permittees must meet state building code standards, and under § 74-103(c) the city can order repair or removal within 60 days of written notice for any encroachment that violates the permit or code.
Violations & Fines
Failing to obey a removal or repair order is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine up to $500.00 per § 74-103(d); each day of noncompliance can count separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build over a Winston-Salem sidewalk?
What happens if my encroachment violates the permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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