Historic District Review - Winston-Salem Ordinance

Land Use and Zoning North Carolina 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

Winston-Salem, North Carolina requires review of exterior changes, demolitions, and other work within designated historic districts to protect cultural resources. This article explains how district review works under the city code, who enforces it, where to find official forms, and how to appeal or apply for exceptions. It is written for property owners, contractors, and neighborhood groups seeking clear steps to comply with Winston-Salem requirements and to reduce delays on projects affecting historic resources.

Overview

Historic district review in Winston-Salem is implemented through the city's ordinances and administered by the planning and historic preservation staff and any appointed Historic Resources Commission. Review generally covers exterior work visible from the public right-of-way, demolition, and new construction within locally designated districts. For the controlling ordinance language and procedural rules, consult the City of Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances. City Code of Ordinances[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the city planning or code enforcement division and, where applicable, by the Historic Resources Commission through administrative orders and notices. Specific monetary fines, fee amounts, and statutory timelines are not quoted verbatim on the cited ordinance overview page and therefore are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code for any enumerated civil penalties or forfeitures.[1]
  • Escalation: the code references continuing violations and recovery of enforcement costs, but specific first/repeat ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to restore or reconstruct, demolition injunctions, and court action are available remedies under city enforcement procedures.
  • Enforcer and complaints: contact Winston-Salem Planning Services or code enforcement for inspections and to file complaints; see Help and Support / Resources below for official contacts.
  • Appeals and review: the ordinance provides administrative appeal routes to the appropriate board or court; the code text and application timelines are not specified on the cited overview page.[1]
Failing to secure required review can result in stop-work orders or legal action.

Applications & Forms

Most projects within a historic district require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) or a similar approval before permits are issued. Official application forms, submission instructions, deadlines, and fee schedules are published by the city planning or historic resources office; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited ordinance overview page.[1]

Action steps

  • Confirm whether your property is in a local historic district by checking city maps or contacting Planning Services.
  • Consult the Certificate of Appropriateness requirements and submit the required application and drawings to Historic Resources staff before applying for building permits.
  • Allow time for review: plan for public notice periods and commission meeting schedules when planning work.
  • If denied, file an appeal within the time limit stated in the ordinance or request a rehearing as provided by city procedure.
Start early: COA review runs on a fixed meeting schedule and can delay permit issuance if submitted late.

FAQ

What is a historic district review?
A review that evaluates proposed exterior changes, new construction, or demolition in a designated historic district to ensure compatibility with the district's character.
Do I always need a Certificate of Appropriateness?
Most exterior changes in a local historic district require a COA; consult Planning Services or the Historic Resources office for property-specific guidance.
How long does the review process take?
Timelines depend on meeting schedules and completeness of the application; exact statutory review periods are not specified on the cited overview page.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm district status with Winston-Salem Planning Services or the historic district map.
  2. Download and complete the Certificate of Appropriateness application from the city's historic resources pages; assemble photographs and scaled drawings.
  3. Submit the application and required fee to the Planning/Historic Preservation office by the posted deadline.
  4. Attend the public meeting if the commission schedules a hearing; present your proposal and respond to questions.
  5. If approved, include the COA with permit applications; if denied, review appeal options and timelines with staff.
Include clear photographs and measured drawings to reduce review delays.

Key Takeaways

  • Historic district review protects neighborhood character and applies to visible exterior work.
  • Obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness before applying for building permits when required.
  • Enforcement can include stop-work orders and restoration orders; check the municipal code for procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances - historic preservation and related provisions

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