Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission

The Historic Resources Commission is a twelve-member board (roster below) consisting of five representatives appointed by the Forsyth County Commissioners, five by the Winston-Salem City Council, one from the Town of Kernersville, and one from the Village of Clemmons. Six of these members are appointed at-large and six fulfill specific categorical requirements. Staff to the HRC is provided through the City-County Planning Division.

Mission

The Historic Resource Commission’s (HRC) role is to protect and enrich the county’s cultural, historical, architectural, and archaeological heritage through the identification, designation, and preservation of historic resources. To that end, the Commission strives to promote the use and conservation of historic properties for the education, pleasure, and enrichment of the residents of Forsyth County and North Carolina. The Commission reviews applications for Certificates of Appropriateness in Winston-Salem’s three Historic/Historic Overlay districts and for the County’s Local Historic Landmarks. It also reviews designations of Historic Signs and makes recommendations about other historic designations and historic preservation issues to the local elected bodies. Once a year, the Commission awards historic markers to significant sites throughout Forsyth County.

The Commission, state government, and National Park Service offer multiple recognition and designation programs to residents of Forsyth County. Each has different requirements and offers unique benefits. This fact sheet (PDF) explains the basics of the different programs and where to go for more information.

Meetings

The HRC meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m in the 5th floor meeting room of the Bryce A. Stuart Building, 100 E. First Street, Winston-Salem. The Commission follows Rules of Procedure (PDF) that it has adopted. Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness are due by 5 pm on the Wednesday three weeks prior to the HRC meeting. A calendar with meeting dates and application deadlines is provided below. Beginning on January 1, 2022, all applications for Certificates of Appropriateness must be submitted through IDT Plans. You will need to create an account the first time you use IDT Plans. Illustrated, step-by-step instructions for submitting a COA application are available here. All application attachments, including photographs and drawings, must be submitted in PDF format.

Annual Reports

Historic Resources Commission Annual Reports

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas and Minutes of the HRC meetings, applications for Major Work Certificates of Appropriateness, staff reports, and orders, and the monthly Minor Work Report. 

Current HRC meeting agenda (PDF)

HRC meeting agendas and minutes 2016-present

Roster and Calendar

The annual calendar shows meeting dates and application submittal deadlines.

HRC Roster (PDF)

2023 HRC Calendar (PDF)

Want to Get Involved?

Volunteer Commission members serve a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms. Serving on the HRC can offer you an opportunity to understand how your local government works and allow you to make a direct contribution to protecting and preservation the historic resources.

To apply for a position on the Historic Resources Commission, please contact: