Historic Preservation
The Morganton Historic Preservation Commission serves the public both as a steward for historic properties and as a facilitator to people fortunate enough to own such properties.
It provides assistance to owners and tenants, helps them plan the alterations that they are considering for their properties, and guides owners through the application process necessary to implement those changes.
The Commission consists of five members appointed by City Council for three-year terms. Included within its powers and responsibilities are the following: recommending to City Council the designation of historic landmarks and districts and granting requests for proposed changes to historic landmarks and properties situated within historic districts.
Commission Members
The Commission meets at the City of Morganton, Conference Room 3, located at 305 E Union Street Suite A100 at 12:00 noon the first Wednesday of each month. The members serve a three-year term.
Bakhtiar S. Alam - November 8, 2014
Dottie Ervin - November 8, 2012
Mary Lou Furr - November 8, 2014
Tom McDaniel - November 8, 2014
Robert Salsbury, Chairman - November 8, 2012
Ex. Officio - Executive Director Historic Burke - November 8, 2012
If you are interested in becoming a commission member please contact Russ Cochran.
Commission Vacancy
Historic Preservation Vacancy
The City of Morganton is currently seeking a new member for the City's Historic Preservation Commission.
The Commission's main purpose is preserving the historical integrity of locally designated historic sites and districts within the City of Morganton. The Commission also acts as a regulatory review board and resource guide for these locally nominated historic sites as well as a recommending body for any potential historic site needing study or nomination.
Proposed members must have "A demonstrated special interest, experience, or education in history, architecture, archeology, or related fields" (Handbook for Historic Preservation Commissions in North Carolina).
For more information, contact Russ Cochran, Senior Planner at (828) 438-5268.
Applications
How to apply for a Local Historic Designation
Application for Local Historic Designation request from property owner to staff must be received at least two weeks prior to the monthly meeting.
The HPC shall use the information in a report to be sent for review by the Division of Archives and History, NC Dept of Cultural Resources. The information shall then be used in advertising in the paper and to adjacent property owners and agenda packets taken care of by staff.
Meetings
2012 Meeting Dates
- January 4
- February 1
- March 7
- April 4
- May 2
- June 6
- July 11
- August 1
- September 5
- October 3
- November 7
- December 5
*** Applications for major work due 2 weeks prior to meeting date

Development Main
FAQ
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Building Codes
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Permit Reports

Hunting Creek Watershed Plan
Hunting Creek, located in eastern Morganton and Burke County, has been included on the “Impaired” waters listing for the State of North Carolina. Based on this listing, this study has been completed during the past two years (through a grant received by a local non-profit) to study in detail the issues associated with this impairment designation.
Lee Anderson • Director
E-mail
Development & Design
Phone: 438-5260
The Development and Design Department is located on the second floor of City Hall.






City of Morganton • 305 E. Union St. Suite A100, Morganton, NC 28655 • (828) 437-8863