Local Historic Districts

One of the primary activities of the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) is administration of Forsyth County’s locally-zoned historic districts. The HRC is given the authority to review and approve exterior changes to properties located within the boundaries of these districts, which include Old Salem Historic District, Bethabara Historic District, and West End Historic Overlay District.

Locally-Zoned Historic District Maps

Historic District Goals

In order to maintain and enhance the character of these districts, the HRC’s goals are as follows:

  • Protection and promotion of Forsyth County’s heritage
  • Encouragement of the efforts of district residents, property owners, utility companies, and local government to conserve the built and natural environments of these districts
  • Retention and enhancement of the historic character of these districts through the regulation of exterior alterations to structures, designs for new construction, and alterations to historic landscape features

Certificate of Appropriateness Process

One of the ways the HRC achieves these goals is through the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process. Applications for alterations, additions, or new construction are reviewed by the Commission at its regular monthly meetings. The Commission bases application reviews on design review standards, which have been established for each district. If an application meets the requirements of the standards, the Commission issues a COA, which is a document indicating the Commission’s approval of the proposed work.

Some building permits cannot be issued for properties in local historic districts without a required COA. Major Work COA applications must be received 21 days prior to the Commission’s monthly meeting. 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. Failure to supply adequate documentation or required materials will result in delays in processing the application and/or denial of the request.

Design Review Standards

Each district has a unique set of Design Review Standards:

Minor Work

Certain categories of work in the districts are considered to be Minor Work. Minor Work projects can be reviewed and approved by Historic Resources staff, provided that the projects meet the policies and standards adopted by the Commission. 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. Failure to supply adequate documentation or required materials will result in delays in processing the application.