Winston-Salem Pothole Repair & Encroachment Guide

Transportation North Carolina 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

This guide explains how to report potholes, determine who maintains a road, and apply for encroachment permits in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It covers jurisdictional differences between city and state roads, the typical permit and inspection process, enforcement basics, and practical step-by-step actions residents and contractors can use to repair, report, or legally occupy public right-of-way.

Road jurisdiction and reporting potholes

Local streets in Winston-Salem are usually maintained by the city; state-numbered routes and some major corridors are maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). For state-maintained roads, use the official NCDOT pothole reporting guidance and forms and follow the instructions on the NCDOT page linked below in the Resources and footnotes.NCDOT pothole info[1]

If a pothole is on a state route, report it to NCDOT immediately.

Right-of-way encroachment and permits

Encroachments into the public right-of-way (structures, fences, plantings, or private work that occupies sidewalk or roadway area) are regulated by the city code and typically require a permit or approval before work begins. The municipal code and permit rules controlling encroachments are maintained in the city code; consult the official code entry linked below for specific sections and requirements.Winston-Salem code of ordinances[2]

Do not place structures or permanent materials in the public right-of-way without written permission.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for pothole-related issues and unlawful encroachments is carried out by city departments for city streets, and by NCDOT for state-maintained roads. Where the municipal code or agency pages state specific fines or sanctions, those amounts are cited on the official pages; where a dollar amount or escalation is not printed on the cited page, this guide states that the amount is not specified on the cited page.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for encroachment penalties; see the municipal code link for applicable sections and language.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page; consult the code or enforcement notice for any listed ranges.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, or requirements to restore public property are the typical remedies; specific remedies should be confirmed on the governing permit or code section.[2]
  • Enforcer: City of Winston-Salem Public Works and Permits/Inspections enforce city rules on city streets; NCDOT enforces state-road maintenance responsibilities for state routes. Official City contact information is available on the city's Public Works page.City Public Works[3]
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited municipal code page; check the permit decision or enforcement notice for appeal instructions and deadlines.[2]
If a repair or encroachment is ordered removed, act promptly to avoid further enforcement costs.

Applications & Forms

For encroachment permits or right-of-way permits, the municipal code references permitting requirements; the specific permit form number, fee schedule, and submission method are not specified on the cited code page. For potholes on state roads, NCDOT provides reporting guidance and online mechanisms.[1][2]

  • Common form: not specified on the cited page; contact City Public Works or Permits/Inspections to request the current encroachment permit form.[3]
  • Fees: fee amounts are not specified on the cited municipal code page; official fee schedules are published by the city department handling permits.

How-To

  1. Identify the road type: check signs for state route numbers or use a map to confirm whether the road is state- or city-maintained.
  2. Report potholes on state roads to NCDOT via the official guidance linked below and follow any online submission steps.NCDOT pothole info[1]
  3. Report potholes or dangerous road conditions on city streets to City Public Works using the official contact page or the city service request system.City Public Works[3]
  4. If you plan to place a structure, driveway apron, or work in the right-of-way, contact Permits/Inspections to request an encroachment or right-of-way permit before work begins.
  5. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the notice's instructions, file any permitted appeal within the stated time limit, and document repairs or removals to demonstrate compliance.

Action steps (quick)

  • Call or submit an online request to City Public Works for city streets or to NCDOT for state routes; include photos, precise location, and severity.
  • Before any work in the right-of-way, request an encroachment/right-of-way permit from Permits/Inspections.
  • Keep records of submissions, permit approvals, inspections, and receipts in case of enforcement or appeal.

FAQ

Who fixes potholes in Winston-Salem?
The city fixes potholes on city streets; NCDOT fixes potholes on state-maintained routes. See the official NCDOT and city contacts for reporting.[1][3]
Do I need a permit to put a fence near the sidewalk?
Yes—structures that occupy or encroach on the public right-of-way generally require a permit or written approval from the city; consult the municipal code and Permits/Inspections.[2]
What if the city orders removal of my encroachment?
Follow the removal order and documentation instructions; appeal procedures and time limits should be stated on the enforcement notice or permit decision (not specified on the cited municipal code page).[2]

How-To

  1. Locate the defect and take clear photos showing the pothole and nearby landmarks.
  2. Confirm jurisdiction (city vs state) using signage or an online map.
  3. Report via the correct official channel with photos, location (address or GPS), and contact details.
  4. If planning work in the right-of-way, contact Permits/Inspections to request necessary permits before starting.
  5. Respond promptly to any enforcement notice; provide proof of repairs or permit compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm whether a road is city- or state-maintained before reporting or repairing.
  • Obtain encroachment or right-of-way permits before placing structures or conducting work in public space.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] NCDOT - Pothole reporting guidance
  2. [2] Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances (Municode)
  3. [3] City of Winston-Salem Public Works - contact

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