Online Permits & Fee Payments - Winston-Salem

Technology and Data North Carolina 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

Winston-Salem, North Carolina residents and businesses can apply for permits, pay fees, and manage inspections for city services online. This guide explains where to start, which departments enforce permits and bylaws, common violations, and how to appeal or request reviews. It focuses on official city channels, required actions, and practical timelines so you can complete applications, submit payments, and respond to inspections efficiently.

Permits & Payments

Most building, trade, and development permits for Winston-Salem are submitted through the city-approved online permitting portal and tracked by Development Services. Use the portal to apply, upload plans, request inspections, and pay fees online via the payment interface [1]. The municipal code defines permit requirements and general enforcement authority for city departments [2].

Use the online portal to avoid in-person delays when submitting plans.

Common permit types

  • Building permits (new construction, additions)
  • Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
  • Zoning and land-use approvals
  • Site plan and subdivision reviews

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of permit and bylaw violations is carried out by the city departments identified in the municipal code and Development Services. Exact fine amounts and escalation schedules are set in ordinance sections and departmental rules; if an amount or escalation step is not listed on the cited page, this guide notes that it is "not specified on the cited page" and provides the citation [2]. Inspections may be scheduled after permit submission; complaints are handled through the city contact channels [3].

If you receive a notice, read it promptly and follow the correction timeline indicated.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page [2].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures not specified on the cited page [2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, correction orders, permit revocation, and court action are possible per city enforcement authority [2].
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Development Services / Building Inspections; file complaints or request inspections via official contact channels [3].
  • Appeals/review: procedures and time limits vary by ordinance or departmental rule; specifics not specified on the cited page [2].

Applications & Forms

Most permit applications, plan submissions, and fee payments are handled through the online portal. Named forms and application numbers are provided inside each permit type in the portal; if a printed form number is required it will appear on the portal's permit record [1]. If a necessary form or fee schedule is not published online, it is "not specified on the cited page" and you should contact Development Services for details [3].

Check the portal record for required attachments before you submit.

How to apply, pay, and track an online permit

  1. Create an account on the city permitting portal and verify your email.
  2. Select the appropriate permit type and complete the online application, attaching plans and documents.
  3. Pay application and permit fees using the portal's payment options.
  4. Schedule inspections via the portal after permit issuance and fix items noted on inspection reports.
  5. If you disagree with an enforcement action, follow the appeal instructions on the notice and contact Development Services promptly.
Keep record numbers and payment receipts for appeals and inspections.

FAQ

How do I apply for a building permit online?
Open an account on the city permitting portal, choose the building permit type, upload required plans, and pay fees online via the portal. See the portal instructions for file types and size limits [1].
How can I pay permit fees?
Permit fees are paid through the online permitting portal at submission or after review; accepted payment methods appear in the portal payment screen [1].
What happens if an inspection fails?
The inspector will list required corrections. Complete corrections, document fixes, and request a reinspection through the portal or contact Development Services for guidance [3].

How-To

  1. Gather plans, contractor information, and property details.
  2. Submit the permit application and attach documents through the online portal.
  3. Pay fees online and save the confirmation receipt.
  4. Request inspections and respond to any correction notices promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the city permitting portal for most applications and payments.
  • Enforcement may include stop-work orders and court action; fines and escalation details should be checked in the municipal code [2].

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Winston-Salem permitting portal
  2. [2] Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances
  3. [3] Planning & Development Services contact

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data