Default rule and exceptions
The City of Winston-Salem’s Street Division is responsible for sidewalk repair, replacement and maintenance. The abutting owner/occupant’s codified duty is limited to clearing snow and sleet within two hours (§ 74-12).
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Remove snow or sleet from the abutting sidewalk within two hours after it ceases to fall (by noon the following morning if overnight) (§ 74-12). |
| City / public agency | The Street Division repairs, replaces and maintains sidewalks; the Engineering Division rehabilitates/replaces damaged sidewalks with bond funds when appropriated. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
The City of Winston-Salem's Street Division is responsible for sidewalk repair, replacement and maintenance.
After any fall of snow or sleet such tenants, occupants, owners, agents or custodians shall, within two hours after the snow or sleet shall have ceased to fall, remove or cause such snow or sleet to be removed from the sidewalk of their respective premises. In case the fall of snow or sleet shall have ceased during the night, it shall be removed by 12:00 noon the following morning.
City rules rest on state law. Read North Carolina's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Winston-Salem, NC?
The city / utility. Remove snow or sleet from the abutting sidewalk within two hours after it ceases to fall (by noon the following morning if overnight) (§ 74-12).
Is there any cost help for sidewalk repair in Winston-Salem, NC?
The City bears sidewalk repair/replacement/maintenance (Street Division); bond-funded rehabilitation when appropriated. No owner cost-share.
What is this based on for Winston-Salem, NC?
This verdict is sourced to City of Winston-Salem: Sidewalks (Street Division responsible for repair/replacement/maintenance) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- City of Winston-Salem: Sidewalks (Street Division responsible for repair/replacement/maintenance)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- Winston-Salem City Code § 74-12 (owner/occupant snow and sleet removal, 2 hours)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
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