Ordinances You Need to Know in Winston-Salem, NC
Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to Winston-Salem, NC.
Local jurisdiction: City of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Zoning Permit Required for a Home Occupation
Winston-Salem requires a zoning permit from the Inspections Division before establishing a home occupation.
Source: City of Winston-Salem Home Occupations
Code section: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County UDO home-occupation standards
Official source status: Current city handout
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
25 Percent Floor-Area Limit
Winston-Salem limits the portion of a dwelling used for a home occupation to 25 percent of the dwelling's gross floor area.
Source: City of Winston-Salem Home Occupations
Code section: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County UDO home-occupation standards
Official source status: Current city handout
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
One Outside Employee Maximum and No Retail Sales
Winston-Salem allows family members residing in the dwelling plus no more than one outside employee. Retail sales are not allowed with a home occupation.
Source: City of Winston-Salem Home Occupations
Code section: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County UDO home-occupation standards
Official source status: Current city handout
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Disclaimer & Due Diligence
NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.
Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.
Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.