Vacant Property Registration - Winston-Salem

Housing and Building Standards North Carolina 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

Winston-Salem, North Carolina requires owners of long-term vacant buildings to follow local registration and maintenance rules to protect neighborhoods and public safety. This guide explains which city office enforces vacant property rules, where to find the controlling ordinance, how enforcement typically proceeds, and practical steps owners and neighbors can take to register, appeal, or report problems.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Winston-Salem Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Services oversee property maintenance and vacant building concerns; see the department contact and complaint pages for reporting and inspections City of Winston-Salem Code Enforcement[1]. The municipal code sets the legal framework for property maintenance and registration; specific vacant-property registration provisions and penalties are in the city code Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances[2].

Fine amounts and schedules for vacant-property registration or maintenance violations are not specified on the cited pages.

Appeals and judicial reviews typically use municipal procedures or district court filings; check the enforcing department for time limits.
  • Enforcer: City of Winston-Salem Code Enforcement / Neighborhood Services; inspections initiated by complaint or proactive patrols.
  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code for schedules and ordinance citations.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to secure, repair, boarding, nuisance abatement, and possible lien placement or court action (specific remedies and procedures are described in the code).[2]
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: file a complaint with Code Enforcement via the city website or phone; use the department contact page for forms and submission details.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal procedures and time limits are governed by ordinance or municipal hearing rules; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The city may publish a Vacant Building Registration form or guidance through Code Enforcement or the Document Center; a specific, current form link or fee schedule is not specified on the cited pages. Contact Code Enforcement to request the registration form, filing instructions, and fee information.[1]

If you own or manage a vacant property, contact Code Enforcement early to confirm registration requirements and avoid escalation.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the property meets the city definition of vacant by reviewing the municipal code or contacting Code Enforcement.
  2. Obtain the Vacant Property Registration form from Code Enforcement or the city Document Center, complete owner and property details, and attach required documentation.
  3. Pay any registration or administrative fee as instructed by the department; if no fee is published, confirm the amount with Code Enforcement.
  4. Address any maintenance or security orders issued after inspection and keep records of repairs and communications.
  5. If you disagree with a notice or penalty, file the specified appeal or request an administrative hearing within the time limit shown on the notice or contact the enforcing office for instructions.
Keep copies of all submitted forms, payments, and inspection reports to support appeals or to show compliance.

FAQ

Do I have to register a vacant residential property in Winston-Salem?
Owners should contact Code Enforcement to determine whether their property meets the city definition of vacant and whether registration is required; see the Code Enforcement contact page for reporting and questions.[1]
What penalties apply for failing to register or maintain a vacant property?
Specific fine amounts and escalation steps are not specified on the cited pages; the municipal code describes available remedies and enforcement procedures.[2]
How do I appeal a notice or fine?
Appeals follow municipal procedures or hearing rules; check the enforcement notice for appeal steps and deadlines or contact Code Enforcement for guidance.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Contact City of Winston-Salem Code Enforcement early to confirm registration rules and avoid penalties.[1]
  • Municipal code provides the legal framework; specific fines may require consulting the ordinance sections cited by the department.[2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Winston-Salem Code Enforcement - property maintenance and complaint information
  2. [2] Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances - municipal code and enforcement provisions

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