Winston-Salem ADA Accessibility Requirements

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

Winston-Salem, North Carolina requires public facilities, businesses, and new construction to meet applicable accessibility standards. This guide explains how local enforcement, building inspections, and federal ADA obligations interact, what property owners must do to comply, and where to request accommodations or file complaints. It focuses on practical steps for achieving compliance and resolving disputes in the city.

Overview of Applicable Standards

Accessibility obligations in Winston-Salem derive from the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and from state and local building code requirements adopted by the city. The city enforces accessibility through its planning, building inspections, and licensing processes; federal enforcement and technical guidance come from the U.S. Department of Justice and related federal agencies.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

The city relies on its Building Inspections and Planning departments and the designated ADA Coordinator to handle local compliance questions and complaints. Where violations are found, the municipal code and department procedures set correction orders and administrative remedies; specific municipal fine amounts for ADA-related violations are not specified on the cited municipal page.[1] Federal enforcement under the ADA is handled by the U.S. Department of Justice; the DOJ may pursue injunctive relief and other remedies for Title II and Title III violations.[2]

  • Enforcers: City of Winston-Salem Planning & Development Services, Building Inspections, and the City ADA Coordinator.[1]
  • Federal enforcer for ADA civil matters: U.S. Department of Justice and federal agencies.[2]
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited municipal page; see municipal contact for specific penalties and enforcement procedures.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: correction orders, mandatory modifications, injunctive relief, permit withholding, or referral to court.[1]
  • Appeals and review: municipal appeal paths and time limits are set by city procedures; specific time limits not specified on the cited municipal page.[1]
Contact the ADA Coordinator early to request accommodations and avoid enforcement actions.

Applications & Forms

The city posts guidance and accommodation request contacts through its ADA/Accessibility program; where a formal accommodation or variance form exists it is available from the ADA Coordinator or Planning and Development Services. If no form is published, contact the department directly to request the process and any required documents.[1]

Compliance Steps for Property Owners and Businesses

  • Review federal ADA Standards and the North Carolina building code referenced by the city to determine applicable requirements.[2]
  • Schedule a plan review or inspection with Winston-Salem Building Inspections for new construction, alterations, or change of occupancy.[1]
  • Obtain required permits before beginning work; unpaid fees or unpermitted work can lead to stop-work orders.
  • Request an accommodation or file a complaint through the city's ADA Coordinator or submit a federal complaint to the DOJ for Title III matters.[1]

Common Violations

  • Blocked or missing accessible routes and entrances.
  • Inaccessible restrooms and fixtures after renovation.
  • Failure to obtain permits for alterations affecting accessibility.
  • Missing signage or incorrect accessible parking dimensions.

FAQ

Who enforces ADA accessibility in Winston-Salem?
The City of Winston-Salem enforces local building and accessibility requirements through Planning and Building Inspections and the ADA Coordinator; federal ADA enforcement is by the U.S. Department of Justice.[1] [2]
How do I file a complaint about an inaccessible business?
Contact the City ADA Coordinator for local assistance and inspection; for federal Title III complaints file with the U.S. Department of Justice per federal guidance.[1] [2]
Are there accommodations for historic buildings?
Variances and alternative solutions may be available; consult Planning and Building Inspections and the ADA Coordinator to document feasible accommodations.

How-To

  1. Identify the issue and gather photos and records of the property or facility.
  2. Contact the City ADA Coordinator or Building Inspections to request an inspection or guidance.[1]
  3. If alterations are required, obtain permits and follow accessible design standards in construction documents.
  4. If dissatisfied with local resolution, consider filing a federal ADA complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Begin with the city ADA Coordinator for local guidance and dispute resolution.
  • Permits and plan review are critical when altering facilities to maintain accessibility.
  • Municipal penalty amounts for ADA-related violations are not specified on the cited municipal page; contact the city for specifics.[1]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Winston-Salem - Planning, Building Inspections, and ADA information
  2. [2] U.S. Department of Justice - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

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