The main number for the City of Winston-Salem is 336-727-8000, which reaches CityLink 311, the central line for nearly every non-emergency city service. Callers inside city limits can also dial 311. Below are the City of Winston-Salem phone numbers by department, so you can skip the routing and call the office you actually need.
CityLink is staffed Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., except city holidays.1City of Winston-Salem. CityLink For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911.
Police, Fire, and Animal Services
Police non-emergency
Call 336-773-7700 for the Winston-Salem Police Department when no one is in immediate danger. This is the right line for reporting past thefts, vandalism, or noise complaints.2City of Winston-Salem. Frequently Asked Questions – Police 911
Fire Department
The countywide non-emergency dispatch line, 336-773-7700, also handles routine fire department matters.3City of Winston-Salem. WSFD Organization Fire investigation is at 336-773-7900.4City of Winston-Salem. Staff Directory – Fire Department For commercial fire inspections and permit questions, call Fire and Life Safety at 336-734-1290, and for fee questions call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 336-773-7961.5City of Winston-Salem. Periodic Inspections
Animal services
Animal calls in Winston-Salem run through the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, not the city.
- Animal complaints or concerns, 24/7: 336-727-2112
- Animal ordinance or citation questions (business hours): 336-917-7750
- Forsyth County Animal Shelter, adoptions and lost pets: 336-703-24806Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. Animal Services
Water, Sewer, and Trash
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities takes calls at 336-727-2355 for new water and sewer connections and landfill permits.7City of Winston-Salem. New Resident Resources Billing questions on an existing account go to that same number or to CityLink at 336-727-8000. Have your seven-digit account number from your statement ready.8City of Winston-Salem. Water Bill Payment Options
For a water main break, sewer overflow, or sewer backup, call CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000. The city warns against using the online form for these situations because they need a live response.9City of Winston-Salem. Overflows, Ruptures and Leaks
Garbage, recycling, leaf, brush, and yard waste pickup schedules vary by zone. Call CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000 and an agent will look up your collection days.10City of Winston-Salem. Recycling
Code Enforcement and Streets
Report overgrown lots, junk vehicles, trash accumulation, graffiti, or possible housing code violations to CityLink at 336-727-8000. Give the exact address or nearest intersection so inspectors can find the property.11City of Winston-Salem. Code Enforcement
Most street lights in Winston-Salem are maintained by Duke Energy rather than the city, so outages go to Duke Energy’s repair tool. Traffic signal malfunctions and city-owned light issues can be reported to CityLink.1City of Winston-Salem. CityLink
Planning, Permits, and Business Licensing
Planning and Development Services handles rezoning and development inquiries at 336-747-7040 or planning@cityofws.org.12City of Winston-Salem. Planning and Development Services Zoning verification and subdivision questions go through CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000.13City of Winston-Salem. Zoning and Subdivision Food businesses and others subject to health regulations should call the Environmental Health Division at 336-703-3225.14City of Winston-Salem. Business License
Parks and Parking
Reach the Recreation and Parks Department at 336-734-1219, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For after-hours park emergencies, call CityLink at 336-727-8000.
For parking enforcement questions or disputes about downtown tickets, call the city’s Department of Transportation at 336-727-2707.
Mayor, Council, and City Administration
The Mayor’s Office is at 336-727-2058 for policy inquiries, event coordination, and constituent concerns.
Individual City Council members have their own numbers in the city’s staff directory. For general council inquiries, start with the City Clerk at 336-727-2224.15City of Winston-Salem. Staff Directory – City Council The same clerk’s line handles public records requests, meeting minutes, and other official documents.16City of Winston-Salem. Access to Public Records
The City Manager’s administrative office is at 336-747-7469.17City of Winston-Salem. City Manager
Human Resources and City Jobs
For applications, hiring questions, and employee benefits or retirement questions, call Human Resources at 336-747-6800, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.18City of Winston-Salem. Human Resources
Before You Call
A little preparation shortens most calls. For a water bill, pull the seven-digit account number off your statement first.8City of Winston-Salem. Water Bill Payment Options For a service complaint like a pothole or a missed pickup, know the street address or nearest intersection. If you’ve called before, keep the case or reference number so the agent can pull up your history rather than open a duplicate.
When in doubt, CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000 is the number to try first. Agents there can transfer you if you land in the wrong place.