Code Enforcement

Violations

Tenants and landlords both have rights. If Code Enforcement receives calls about unrepair of minimum housing violations, the landlord has a right to a hearing and time to make the repair. Safe places to live are the goals for minimum housing. If you are living in unsafe conditions, please call 336-727-8000 & ask to make an appointment with a Code Officer for an inspection. You will need to wear a mask and remain 6 feet from the officer during the appointment.

Illegal Dumping

Protect your property. Illegal dumping is most prevalent where there is low visibility, dead ends, wooded areas and vacant lots. As a property owner, you are still responsible for those who illegally dump on your land. If you see those who do it, take photos of them doing it, take their license plate and report them to the Police or Code Enforcement. Illegal dumping is a crime.

High Grass or Weeds

Failure to cut weeds or high grass over 8 inches can result into fines over $380.00. Uncut shrubs can also be cited and owners can receive a fine.

Trash

Trash and yard waste can receive fines. Contact the Code Office and ask for our latest door hanger so you can know how to prevent being fined. Environmental abatements and hoarding have led to large problems here in the City of Winston-Salem. It can devalue neighboring properties and draw rats and vermin and create unsafe areas where people can get hurt. Please report these areas to Code Enforcement CityLink 336-727-8000.

Vacant / Abandoned Properties

Code Enforcement sends certified and regular mail notification to owners of abandoned properties. If you receive a letter from Community Development regarding this issue, please contact our office immediately.

Junk Vehicles

If Code Enforcement tags a car for a violation; the days indicated on the tag are the number of days of compliance. After that date, the car will be towed.

Other Nuisances

Motor Vehicle Storage Yard

Two or more untagged vehicles in a yard is considered a “storage yard”. A legally established “USE” for motor vehicle repair and maintenance facility or paint and body shop have approval through the Planning Board and City Council. Motor Vehicle Storage Yards are located in Business and Industrial Zoning Districts. If you live on a residentially zoned lot and have two or more untagged vehicles, you can be cited by Code Enforcement.

Graffiti

Private property owners are notified to remove graffiti. Railroads, NCDOT, and other agencies request that they are notified about graffiti on their property. If you see graffiti on any housing, please contact Citylink311 & report it to Police & Code Enforcement. If you see graffiti in parks, contact Recreation & Parks.

Unsanitary Conditions

Unsanitary conditions of animals may draw vermin, rats and other infestations. Keep your property safe from unsanitary conditions. Code Enforcement can be contacted if you suspect there are unsanitary conditions near you.

Suspecting Mold, Mildew & Damp Conditions

If you suspect you have mold, contact your landlord. If you continue to have damp conditions, it could come from a plumbing issue or leak, please contact our office. Code Enforcement can cite conditions that cause excessive moisture or dampness stemming from leaks or plumbing issues.

No Parking on Lawn

This ordinance prohibits parking vehicles on front yards, 60% of your neighbors must agree and sign a petition along with other requirements approved by City Council. See Code Enforcement Administration if your neighborhood is interested in the details.

Rooming & Boarding Properties

Make sure that your property is adequately zoned for this USE & follow all minimum housing safety rules to avoid receiving housing violations.

Loose Chickens

Owners that allow their chickens to run loose & impose animal waste on the properties of others are subject to fines. Please have your chickens housed in your yard safely & discard their waste appropriately.

The properties listed on this page have housing code violations and could be referred to the City Council for demolition if they are not brought into compliance.

If you are interested in purchasing any of these properties you should follow the same process of due diligence as with purchasing property through a real estate firm.

If you do purchase one of these properties, please notify Community Development so that we can remove it from this list. Call 336-734-1252.

Code Enforcement

Violations

Other Nuisances

Active Cases Map of Winston-Salem

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