How can I find proposed ordinances and meeting agendas?

Agendas, proposed ordinance text, and meeting schedules are published on the city’s official meeting pages and the consolidated city code online.

Can I submit written comments after a public hearing?

Written comments are typically accepted according to the published notice; check the item notice or contact the city clerk for the specific cut-off.

Who enforces local ordinances?

Enforcement depends on the subject: Code Enforcement, Planning, Transportation, or other departments enforce their respective rules; contact information is in Help and Support.

Winston-Salem Rulemaking and Public Comment Process

General Governance and Administration North Carolina 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026

Winston-Salem, North Carolina maintains a public rulemaking and ordinance process that governs how city regulations are proposed, reviewed, and adopted. This guide explains who proposes rules, how the public can comment or request hearings, the typical administrative steps from draft to adoption, and where to find the controlling city code and meeting records. It is designed for residents, business owners, and community groups who want to participate effectively in local policymaking.

Subscribe to meeting notices to receive agendas and public hearing announcements.

Overview of Rulemaking

City ordinances and municipal rules are generally drafted by city staff or introduced by the Mayor and City Council. Drafts are posted and scheduled for public hearing according to the city’s legislative process; the consolidated ordinance text and current code are published online for reference City Code^[1]. The municipal departments most involved are Planning & Development Services for land-use rules, Transportation/Traffic for parking and roadway regulations, and Code Enforcement for compliance provisions.

Public Comment Process

Public participation commonly follows these steps: notice of the proposed rule or ordinance is published, a public hearing is scheduled during a City Council or Planning Board meeting, and written comments are accepted before or after hearings per the published notice. Typical ways to comment include submitting written comments to the city clerk, speaking at a scheduled public hearing, or sending email to the responsible department. Meetings use a published agenda and usually include a specific public comment period for the item.

Sign up for agendas and notices to meet deadlines for submission.
Provide written comments that state your name, address, and the ordinance title.
Request to speak at the public hearing through the city clerk or meeting procedures.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of city ordinances is administered by the designated department for each subject area (for example, Code Enforcement, Planning, or Transportation). The city’s published materials and code are the primary references for penalties; specific fine amounts and escalation rules are not consistently summarized on a single page and are not specified on the cited page City Council agendas and minutes^[2].

If a notice lists a fine or penalty, note the hearing date and appeal deadline immediately.

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, abatement requirements, stop-work orders, and court actions may be imposed by the enforcing department.
Enforcer and complaint pathway: file complaints or report violations to the relevant department (Code Enforcement, Planning, Transportation); contact details are in Help and Support below.
Appeals and time limits: appeal procedures and deadlines are set in the applicable ordinance or administrative rule; if a deadline is not visible, the controlling text must be consulted or the city clerk contacted.

Applications & Forms

Many rule changes or variance requests require forms submitted to the responsible department. Where a specific form number or fee is required, it is listed on the department’s permitting or planning pages; if no form is published for an action, there may be none formally required or the form is provided upon application in person.

Common Violations

Failure to obtain required permits (building, zoning).
Unauthorized construction or alteration.
Nuisance or property maintenance code breaches.

Action Steps

Identify the proposed ordinance and note public hearing dates.
Submit written comments to the city clerk before the deadline.
Register to speak at the hearing if oral testimony is needed.
If fined, follow the notice for payment, abatement, or appeal instructions.

FAQ

How can I find proposed ordinances and meeting agendas?: Agendas, proposed ordinance text, and meeting schedules are published on the city’s official meeting pages and the consolidated city code online.
Can I submit written comments after a public hearing?: Written comments are typically accepted according to the published notice; check the item notice or contact the city clerk for the specific cut-off.
Who enforces local ordinances?: Enforcement depends on the subject: Code Enforcement, Planning, Transportation, or other departments enforce their respective rules; contact information is in Help and Support.

How-To

Locate the proposed ordinance title and text on the city code or meeting agenda.
Note the public hearing date and any written comment deadlines.
Prepare a concise written comment with your position and reasons.
Submit the comment to the city clerk by email or upload if an online portal is provided.
Register to speak at the hearing if you wish to deliver oral testimony.
After the decision, review the ordinance text and any notice of enforcement for next steps or appeal rights.

Key Takeaways

Track agendas to meet comment deadlines.
Provide clear written comments and request to speak when needed.