Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission

The Historic Resources Commission meetings scheduled for April 1, 2020, and May 6, 2020, have been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check back for updates on future meetings.

Complete Major Work Certificate of Appropriateness applications received while the Planning Division Office is closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic will be scheduled for a hearing at a Historic Resources Commission meeting within 120 days of submission. Staff will contact you with a hearing date once the Office has reopened.

AMENDMENT OF WEST END HISTORIC OVERLAY DESIGN REVIEW GUIDELINES PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR JUNE 3.

Below is the link to the revised West End Historic Overlay District Design Review Guidelines:

February 5, 2020 Amended West End Historic Overlay District Design Review Guidelines (PDF)

If you would like a paper copy please contact Michelle McCullough at (336) 747-7063 or email preservation@cityofws.org.

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.

Meetings

The HRC meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in Public Meeting Room of the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, Fifth Floor, 100 E. First Street, Winston-Salem. 

Annual Reports

Historic Resources Commission Annual Reports

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas and Minutes of the HRC meetings as well as the status of the Major Work Certificate of Appropriateness cases are available for online viewing.

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)

2020 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: