Winston-Salem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winston-Salem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Manufactured Home Special Use Permit Renewals and Applications
The board reviewed and approved multiple renewals and new applications for manufactured homes and accessory dwellings across Forsyth County. These permits ensure that residential placements comply with local zoning standards and building codes.
Street Yard Setback Variance at 2255 New Castle Road
Property owners sought relief from standard zoning regulations, resulting in one approved lot-size variance for a property split on Apple Street and the withdrawal of a garage setback variance on New Castle Road.
Old Salem Design Review Standards Update
Property owners in Winston-Salem's historic overlays must get commission approval before making exterior changes like fences, walls, steps, or signs. Recent decisions highlight the strict balance between modern property upgrades and preserving historic character.
Chatham Block Local Historic Landmark Designation
The commission is reviewing an application for a new wall-mounted sign at 651 Summit Street to ensure it fits the historic character of the West End district.
Meadowlark Drive Self-Storage Rezoning
Developers requested a rezoning on Meadowlark Drive for a large indoor climate-controlled self-storage facility. Neighbors pushed back, arguing it doesn't fit the neighborhood character, while supporters noted it generates far less traffic than a previously approved bank.
Old Salem Lawn-to-Meadow Conversion at 520 South Main Street
Old Salem received approval to replace a mowed lawn with an educational meadow behind the Gottlieb Schroeter House, with a rule keeping plants under three feet tall.
Country Club Road Office Rezoning
A property owner wants to rezone a 0.3-acre single-family parcel on Country Club Road to allow office and child care uses, preserving the existing home while fitting into a transitional area.
Crim Road Industrial Rezoning Request
Residents strongly opposed a request to rezone agricultural land on Crim Road for a heavy contracting business, citing noise, early morning truck traffic, and disruption to the rural neighborhood. The planning board ultimately voted to recommend denial, agreeing that the use was inconsistent with the area's rural character.
Northwest Boulevard Streetscape Improvements
Residents and council members discussed long-standing infrastructure disparities along Northwest Boulevard, reviewing a new feasibility study that outlines $1 million in short-term safety fixes and a larger long-term vision.
Zoning Petition W-3694 (University Parkway Highway Business)
The owner of a small residential property at University Parkway and Laura Avenue seeks a highway business rezoning to help sell the home for commercial use, drawing neighborhood concerns about cut-through traffic.
Proposed Hyperscale Data Center in Rural Hall
Planning staff previewed the upcoming review of the massive Project Iron Spur data center near Rural Hall, highlighting major policy challenges regarding electrical power demand, cooling equipment noise, and state restrictions on local zoning controls.
Upcoming June Zoning Docket and Area Plans
The planning board previewed a massive June docket featuring 17 items, including major subdivisions, special use permits, and rezoning cases. Staff also highlighted the final public meeting for the Northeast Suburban Area Plan.
Unified Development Ordinance Amendment for NC House Bill 926
The city is updating local zoning chapters to comply with state law regarding application refiling waiting periods and vested rights.
Billboard Restrictions on US 421 and US 158
The county is adding new view corridors to ban new billboards along stretches of US 421 and US 158 to protect rural scenery. While local property owners with existing commercial rights are exempted, the move prevents future clutter as the highway areas grow.
Isenhour Homes Residential Rezoning on Chickasha Drive
Isenhour Homes requested a rezoning from agricultural to RS-40 for a 13.35-acre parcel on Chickasha Drive. Nearby residents raised questions about lot layouts, property values, and potential street connections.
Ace Acres Special Events Center Rezoning
Ace Acres sought a rezoning on Hampton Road to operate an existing special events center in rural Forsyth County. Neighbors raised concerns about noise and traffic, while supporters highlighted community access and rural preservation.
Retaining Wall and Slope Regulations UDO Amendment
The city is proposing to remove height limits for retaining walls from the zoning code and move them to engineering guidelines to give design professionals more flexibility.
Zoning Petition W-3672 for Walnut and Broad Streets
A developer wants to replace an old house with three new townhomes at West Walnut and South Broad streets. A nearby business owner worried that new homes might clash with the area's growing bar and restaurant scene, but the council approved the plan.