Winston-Salem values significant trees through its development review process. Large-caliper trees on development sites receive enhanced protection in the UDO. While the city does not have a formal heritage tree registry, notable trees on public property and within historic districts receive additional consideration during development review and infrastructure projects.
Winston-Salem may designate certain trees as heritage, landmark, or specimen trees based on criteria including trunk diameter (typically 24+ inches), species rarity, historical significance, or ecological value. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection beyond standard tree ordinances. Removal requires special council or commission approval and is rarely granted except for safety. Construction projects must protect heritage trees with root zone barriers. Damage during construction triggers fines and remediation. Residents can nominate trees for heritage status.
Unauthorized removal of heritage tree: $2,000 to $25,000. Damage during construction: $1,000 to $10,000 plus remediation costs.
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem driveways require permits for new curb cuts and must meet UDO standards for width and paving material. Residential driveways limited to 24 feet...
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem street parking is free in residential areas with 72-hour maximum stays. Downtown has metered parking with enforcement 8 AM to 6 PM Monday throu...
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem defines abandoned vehicles as those parked on public streets over 72 hours or inoperative vehicles on private property. Police tag suspicious v...
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem prohibits parking of commercial vehicles over 1 ton in residential zoning districts. Semi-trucks, dump trucks, and large delivery vehicles cann...
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem is not in a designated high-severity wildfire zone, but wooded neighborhoods along Salem Creek, Muddy Creek, and the western edge near Pilot Mo...
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem permits recreational fire pits under the NC Fire Code (Section 307) when fires are contained, attended, and set back at least 25 feet from stru...
See how Winston-Salem's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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