Who inspects properties and issues removal orders?

The City of Winston-Salem Code Enforcement and Building Inspections divisions conduct inspections and may issue orders.

How long do I have to appeal an order?

Appeal deadlines vary by ordinance and department; the municipal code landing page does not specify exact time limits—confirm with the issuing department.

Will the city remove dangerous signs or structures immediately?

Immediate removal can occur for imminent hazards; otherwise the city issues corrective orders with deadlines before abatement.

Winston-Salem Inspections and Removal Orders

Signs and Advertising North Carolina 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026

In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, municipal inspections and removal orders address hazardous, nuisance, and unpermitted structures, signs, and debris that threaten public safety or violate city code. Property owners, tenants, and contractors often encounter inspection notices, correction orders, and, if compliance is not achieved, formal removal or abatement actions. This guide explains how the local process typically works, who enforces the rules, typical steps to comply or appeal, and practical actions to resolve orders quickly to limit fines and further enforcement.

Overview of Inspections and Removal Orders

Inspections are carried out to verify compliance with the City of Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances and related regulations. Inspectors may issue correction notices, orders to repair or remove, and timelines for compliance. If the property owner fails to act, the city can arrange abatement and assess costs to the owner.

Key enforcing offices include the city Code Enforcement/Neighborhood Services and Building Inspections divisions; see official code and department pages for controlling provisions^[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement typically includes administrative orders, civil fines, and in some cases abatement by the city with cost recovery. Exact fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited municipal code landing page and must be confirmed on the controlling ordinance sections or department notices^[1]. Common elements are listed below.

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see ordinance sections for amounts and per-day provisions^[1].
Escalation: first notices, repeat violations, and continuing offences may carry progressively higher penalties or separate charges; details are not specified on the cited landing page.
Non-monetary sanctions: repair or removal orders, condemnations of unsafe structures, seizure of illegal signs, or municipal abatement with cost liens.
Enforcer and inspection pathway: Code Enforcement and Building Inspections initiate inspections, accept complaints, and issue orders; contact and complaint pages are listed in Resources below.
Appeals and review: appeal routes typically include administrative hearings or municipal court; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited landing page and should be confirmed with the enforcing department^[1].
Defences and discretion: permitted variances, active permit applications, or demonstrated reasonable efforts to comply are common defences; availability depends on the ordinance language and department policy.

Respond promptly to notices to avoid abatement costs and escalating penalties.

Applications & Forms

The municipal landing page does not list a single universal removal form; specific applications, permits, or hearing request forms are published by the enforcing department or development services center and may vary by case. For current forms and filing instructions see the department pages in Resources below^[1].

Action Steps: What Property Owners Should Do

Read the notice carefully and note deadlines and required corrections.
Contact the issuing inspector or department immediately to clarify requirements and timelines.
Obtain necessary permits and hire licensed contractors for repairs or removal when required.
If you disagree, file the designated appeal or hearing request within the time limit stated on the order or as directed by the department.
If the city abates, pay assessed costs or pursue a refund process if you believe charges were improper.

FAQ

Who inspects properties and issues removal orders?: The City of Winston-Salem Code Enforcement and Building Inspections divisions conduct inspections and may issue orders.
How long do I have to appeal an order?: Appeal deadlines vary by ordinance and department; the municipal code landing page does not specify exact time limits—confirm with the issuing department^[1].
Will the city remove dangerous signs or structures immediately?: Immediate removal can occur for imminent hazards; otherwise the city issues corrective orders with deadlines before abatement.

How-To

Read the inspection notice to identify required actions and deadlines.
Call the listed inspector or department to confirm next steps and available permits.
Arrange repairs or removal with licensed professionals and secure any required permits.
If the city abates, follow billing instructions to pay assessed costs or inquire about contest procedures.
If you dispute the order, submit the department hearing or appeal request within the stated time frame.

Key Takeaways

Address inspection notices quickly to limit fines and abatement costs.
Confirm required permits before starting repairs or removals.
Use official department contacts to appeal or request hearings.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] City of Winston-Salem Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances