Report Illegal Signs Online - Winston-Salem

Signs and Advertising North Carolina 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, removing or reporting illegal signs helps keep public rights-of-way safe and protects neighborhood character. This guide explains how to document, report and follow up on unlawful signs under local rules, who enforces sign rules, and what to expect after you file an online complaint. Read the steps below to prepare photos, note exact locations, identify sign types and use the Citys online reporting method to submit a complaint to Code Enforcement.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcing office for unlawful signs in Winston-Salem is the City Code Enforcement division (Code Enforcement). Specific fine amounts and escalating penalties for first or repeat violations are not specified on the cited page[1]. Where the municipal code or Unified Development Ordinance sets numeric fines, the code text or permit pages govern enforcement and appeal rights.

  • Enforcer: City of Winston-Salem Code Enforcement (complaints submitted online via the Citys Report a Concern page).[1]
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or permit pages for exact amounts.[1]
  • Escalation: first vs repeat/continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary remedies: removal orders, notices to comply, liens or court action may be used depending on the code section (details not specified on the cited page).[1]
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: inspection is triggered after a complaint is submitted online to Code Enforcement.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are established by the controlling ordinance or permitting rules; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Take clear photos and record the exact address or nearest intersection before you report.

Applications & Forms

Sign permits and variances are typically managed by the Planning or Inspections divisions; no single sign-permit form or fee schedule is published on the cited complaint page, so applicants should consult the Planning/Permitting pages or municipal code for forms and fees.[1]

How to Report an Illegal Sign Online

  1. Document the sign: photograph all sides, include a close-up of any identifying text and a wider shot showing the signs location.
  2. Note location details: street address, nearest intersection, GPS coordinates or a clear landmark.
  3. Collect details: sign type (yard sign, banner, billboard), estimated installation date and any visible contractor or advertiser information.
  4. Submit online: use the City of Winston-Salems Report a Concern portal to upload photos, enter the location and describe the violation.[1]
  5. Track and follow up: keep the complaint number, respond to inspector requests and check status via the portal or by calling Code Enforcement.
  6. If needed, appeal or request review per the applicable ordinance or permit instructions; see municipal code for appeal timelines (not specified on the cited page).[1]

FAQ

How do I report an illegal sign online?
Gather photos, note the exact location and submit a complaint using the City of Winston-Salem Report a Concern portal.[1]
What information helps enforcement most?
Clear photos, exact address or nearest intersection, type of sign and whether the sign blocks sightlines or is on public property.
How long until a sign is removed?
Removal timing depends on inspection scheduling and whether the owner complies; specific timelines are not specified on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Take clear photos of the sign and its surroundings.
  2. Record the exact location and any identifying details.
  3. Open the Citys Report a Concern page and choose Code Enforcement as the category.[1]
  4. Upload photos, enter the location, and describe why the sign appears illegal.
  5. Submit and note the complaint or tracking number; respond to any follow-up from inspectors.

Key Takeaways

  • Document with photos and precise location before filing.
  • Use the Citys Report a Concern portal to trigger Code Enforcement.
  • Fines and timelines are governed by municipal code or permits; check code text for specifics.

Help and Support / Resources

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