Deck Construction Permits in Winston-Salem

Local Rule

City of Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Inspections

North Carolina's Residential Code is enforced identically statewide with no local amendments permitted, so Winston-Salem carries the exact same small-deck exemption used across the state: 200 square feet or less, 30 inches or less above grade, not attached to the house, and not serving a required exit door. Forsyth County requires permits for most attached structures regardless of size, and residential deck permit processing typically takes one to three weeks. North Carolina law separately requires a licensed general contractor for any construction project valued at $30,000 or more.

Source · Verified September 2026

Winston-Salem Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Forsyth County

Winston-Salem's own rule is shown above (Depends on project scope). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Forsyth County/Winston-Salem Inspections Division

Forsyth County requires a permit for most attached decks, covered structures, and any project involving footings or foundation work, the threshold depends on structure type, size, and whether the structure attaches to the home; an attached deck almost always requires a permit. The city-county Inspections Division covers Winston-Salem, unincorporated Forsyth, and most towns, but High Point, Kernersville, and King run separate departments. Statewide, N.C.G.S. 160D-1110 exempts replacement of pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking boards on existing decks/porches if no load-bearing elements change.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Winston-Salem with a confirmed deck construction rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.