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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Forsyth County.

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division permits and inspects building, electrical, plumbing, and heating construction within the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, excluding the Town of Kernersville. It enforces the North Carolina State Building Code and local Unified Development Ordinances; the Division identifies a local amendment to 2018 International Plumbing Code sections 202, 604.3, 1304, and Appendix E effective January 1, 2024.

Inspection lane

Use BuildIT for trade-permit inspections and inspection status; general contractors may schedule inspections but must purchase building permits through the office. Contact the Inspections Division at 336-727-2624 or askinspect@cityofws.org. The current fee schedule applies extra-trip charges after a failed inspection, and the permit card, approved plans, and visible job-site address must be maintained for inspections.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

N/A for a consolidated minor or cosmetic building-permit exemption list. The Division states that roofs or re-roofing, house wrap, sheathing, and temporary construction power poles may not require separate inspections, but those inspection policies are not a blanket exemption from an otherwise-required permit. Farm-use and owner-builder questions should be confirmed with the Permit Office before work begins.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Use BuildIT for trade-permit inspections and inspection status; general contractors may schedule inspections but must purchase building permits through the office. Contact the Inspections Division at 336-727-2624 or askinspect@cityofws.org. The current fee schedule applies extra-trip charges after a failed inspection, and the permit card, approved plans, and visible job-site address must be maintained for inspections.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Forsyth County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division, Planning & Development Services is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 336-727-2624.

How long might review take?

N/A; no standard building-permit review timeline is published. Permit applications and plans are submitted electronically, while the inspection office handles status, fees, and scheduling through the applicable portal and customer-service channels.

How are inspections scheduled?

Use BuildIT for trade-permit inspections and inspection status; general contractors may schedule inspections but must purchase building permits through the office. Contact the Inspections Division at 336-727-2624 or askinspect@cityofws.org. The current fee schedule applies extra-trip charges after a failed inspection, and the permit card, approved plans, and visible job-site address must be maintained for inspections.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division permits and inspects building, electrical, plumbing, and heating construction within the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, excluding the Town of Kernersville. It enforces the North Carolina State Building Code and local Unified Development Ordinances; the Division identifies a local amendment to 2018 International Plumbing Code sections 202, 604.3, 1304, and Appendix E effective January 1, 2024. N/A for a consolidated minor or cosmetic building-permit exemption list. The Division states that roofs or re-roofing, house wrap, sheathing, and temporary construction power poles may not require separate inspections, but those inspection policies are not a blanket exemption from an otherwise-required permit. Farm-use and owner-builder questions should be confirmed with the Permit Office before work begins.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.