Planning Division

The Planning Division is a joint City-County agency serving Winston-Salem and unincorporated Forsyth County as well as the smaller municipalities of Bethania, Tobaccoville, and Rural Hall. The Planning Division functions as an administrative department of City and County government and also serves as staff for the City-County Planning Board. Our staff has expertise in:

  • Economic development
  • Environmental protection
  • Historic preservation
  • Land use planning
  • Neighborhood revitalization
  • Transportation planning
  • Other issues affecting the growth of our community

Planning Board

The City-County Planning Board was established by a special act of the North Carolina General Assembly in 1948 to provide consolidated planning services to the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. As such, it is the oldest consolidated City-County agency in North Carolina. The Board is served by Planning staff which also functions as an administrative department of City and County governments.

Planning Board meetings are played on WSTV 13 at 10 a.m. on the 2nd Friday and at 4 p.m. on the 2nd Sunday of the month.

Division Responsibilities

Staff provides the data, information and professional recommendations regarding land use issues and other planning policy questions to the City-County Planning Board and elected boards to help them make informed recommendations and decisions.

In short, Planning staff helps the Planning Board do what is required under State law. Staff provides the research, data, information, and professional recommendations regarding land use issues and other planning policy questions to the Planning Board and elected boards to help them make informed recommendations and decisions. Staff accomplishes this work in four multidisciplinary areas.

Comprehensive Planning & Community Character

The work of Comprehensive Planning and Community Character includes:

Geographic Information System (GIS), Mapping, and Design

The work of GIS, Mapping, and Design includes:

  • Coordination with US Census Bureau
  • GIS coordination, mapping, and analysis
  • Website
  • Graphic design

Land Use Administration

The work of Land Use Administration includes: