Published zoning research
Municipal zoning overview
Winston-Salem and Forsyth County use a consolidated Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) system and a consolidated City-County Planning Board. Public materials show that zoning, environmental, and subdivision rules are administered together through Planning & Development Services, with rezonings and text amendments first reviewed by the Planning Board and then acted on by elected bodies. The available source set confirms an active zoning framework with multiple residential and multifamily districts, local historic overlays, and formal variance/special-use processes, but the source set does not include the full current UDO text or full use tables, so several topic areas remain incomplete.
Last researched June 2026
Zoning Districts in Winston-Salem, NC
RM-5 Residential Multifamily District
A low-density multifamily district intended to accommodate pedestrian-oriented residential sites and communities, including duplexes, twin homes, multifamily buildings, and townhouse residential buildings.
Allowed uses: single-family, duplex, twin homes, triplex multifamily, quadraplex multifamily
RM-8 Residential Multifamily District
A residential multifamily district referenced in a 2024 text amendment that increased maximum building height.
RM-12 Residential Multifamily District
A residential multifamily district referenced in a 2024 text amendment that increased maximum building height.
RM-18 Residential Multifamily District
A residential multifamily district referenced in a 2024 text amendment that increased maximum building height.
Residential districts such as RS-40 and RS-9
Residential zoning classifications mentioned in secondary source material as common residential districts in Winston-Salem.
Neighborhood Office (NO)
A non-residential district mentioned in secondary source material as serving office/commercial activity.
Recent Zoning Changes
The clearest recent adopted zoning change in the source set is UDO-CC25, approved May 2, 2024, which increased the maximum number of units allowed per building in RM-5, increased maximum building height in RM-8, RM-12, and RM-18, and revised the threshold for required buffer yard standards. The municipal code platform also shows the city code was updated online through October 17, 2025, but the provided code excerpt does not identify additional zoning-specific adopted ordinances affecting the UDO.
Setbacks, Lot Size & Height Limits in Winston-Salem, NC
The provided source set includes a partial but useful dimensional table for the RM-5 Residential Multifamily District and confirms that recent amendments increased building height in RM-8, RM-12, and RM-18. Full dimensional tables for all districts were not included.
| District | Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District | maximum overall density | five units per acre — District purpose statement in UDO-CC25. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family | minimum lot area | 5,000 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is square feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family | minimum lot width | 40 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family | front setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family | rear setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family | one side setback | 5 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family | combined side setbacks | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family | street side setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family | maximum impervious surface cover | No Limit |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family | maximum height | 40 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex | minimum lot area | 7,000 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is square feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex | minimum lot width | 50 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex | front setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex | rear setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex | one side setback | 7 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex | combined side setbacks | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex | street side setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex | maximum impervious surface cover | No Limit |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex | maximum height | 40 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Twin Homes | minimum lot area | None |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Twin Homes | minimum lot width | None |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Twin Homes | front setback | 0 — Footnote indicates buildings must be set back minimum fifteen feet off front and side street right-of-way. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Twin Homes | rear setback | 0 — Zero values are subject to table footnotes and building-spacing rules. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Twin Homes | side setback | 0 — Zero values are subject to table footnotes and building-spacing rules. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Twin Homes | maximum impervious surface cover | No Limit |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Twin Homes | maximum height | 40 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily | minimum lot area | 9,000 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is square feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily | minimum lot width | 60 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily | front setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily | rear setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily | one side setback | 10 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily | combined side setbacks | 20 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily | street side setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily | maximum impervious surface cover | No Limit |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily | maximum height | 40 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Quadraplex Multifamily | minimum lot area | 11,000 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is square feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Quadraplex Multifamily | minimum lot width | 60 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Quadraplex Multifamily | front setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Quadraplex Multifamily | rear setback | 15 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
| RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Quadraplex Multifamily | one side setback | 10 — As shown in UDO-CC25 table; unit label in source is feet. |
Overlay Districts in Winston-Salem, NC
Local Historic Districts / Historic Overlay Districts
The city states that one of the primary activities of the Historic Resources Commission is administration of Forsyth County's locally-zoned historic districts, and the page references relevant maps and guidelines.
Winston-Salem, NC Zoning FAQ
What are the setback requirements in Winston-Salem, NC?
Setbacks vary by district. Examples — RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family front setback: 15 (conditions apply); RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family rear setback: 15 (conditions apply); RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family one side setback: 5 (conditions apply); RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family combined side setbacks: 15 (conditions apply). Always confirm the exact yard requirements for your district with Winston-Salem, NC.
What is the minimum lot size in Winston-Salem, NC?
Minimum lot size depends on the zoning district — RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family minimum lot area: 5,000 (conditions apply); RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex minimum lot area: 7,000 (conditions apply); RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Twin Homes minimum lot area: None; RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily minimum lot area: 9,000 (conditions apply).
How tall can buildings be in Winston-Salem, NC?
Height limits are set per district — RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Single Family maximum height: 40 (conditions apply); RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Duplex maximum height: 40 (conditions apply); RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Twin Homes maximum height: 40 (conditions apply); RM-5 Residential Multifamily District - Triplex Multifamily maximum height: 40 (conditions apply).
What zoning districts are in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem, NC includes districts such as RM-5 Residential Multifamily District, RM-8 Residential Multifamily District, RM-12 Residential Multifamily District, RM-18 Residential Multifamily District, Residential districts such as RS-40 and RS-9, Neighborhood Office (NO).
Are there flood zones or overlay districts in Winston-Salem, NC?
The municipal source set supplied for Winston-Salem does not include the city's environmental ordinance text, but the city's UDO page states the UDO includes an Environmental Ordinance.
Have there been recent zoning changes in Winston-Salem, NC?
The clearest recent adopted zoning change in the source set is UDO-CC25, approved May 2, 2024, which increased the maximum number of units allowed per building in RM-5, increased maximum building height in RM-8, RM-12, and RM-18, and revised the threshold for required buffer yard standards.
Common questions about Winston-Salem, NC zoning
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Deal-fit, approval path & risk flags for Winston-Salem, NC
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- Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) & Amendments | City of Winston-Salem, NC — Confirmed that the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County UDO governs zoning, environmental, and subdivision rules and is maintained through municipal amendment pages.
- Zoning & Subdivision | City of Winston-Salem, NC — Confirmed Planning & Development Services roles, including processing rezonings, subdivisions, special use permits, Planning Board items, and UDO text amendments.
- FORSYTH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA - UDO-CC25 — Primary source for the adopted May 2, 2024 UDO amendment and partial RM-5 dimensional standards.
- Board of Commissioners - Forsyth County, North Carolina — Confirmed Planning Board role, meeting schedule, and final authority over subdivisions and certain site plans.
- Monthly Planning Board Items | City of Winston-Salem, NC — Confirmed that the city publishes monthly Planning Board resources and materials, supporting active board tracking.
- City/County Planning Board Meeting October 9, 2025 - YouTube — Provided meeting procedure details and the distinction between general-use rezonings and special-use district requests.
- Board of Commissioners - Forsyth County, North Carolina — Primary source for Zoning Board of Adjustment jurisdiction, quasi-judicial hearing format, filing timing, and appeal path to Superior Court.
- Winston-Salem Zoning Board of Adjustment | City of Winston-Salem, NC — Confirmed the city maintains a dedicated Zoning Board of Adjustment page, supporting board structure and process references.
- Zoning Boards of Adjustment (City & County) | City of Winston-Salem, NC — Confirmed the city provides public-facing access to zoning board information and agendas.
- Local Historic and Historic Overlay Districts | City of Winston-Salem, NC — Confirmed the existence and administration of local historic and historic overlay districts.
- Code of Ordinances | Winston-Salem, NC | Municode Library — Provided code update freshness information and confirmed online codification status through October 17, 2025.
This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with Winston-Salem, NC officials before making decisions.