News Flash

September 15, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOWN OF NORTH WILKESBORO CONSIDERS IMPLEMENTING A NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES ORDINANCE

[North Wilkesboro, NC, September 15, 2020] – At their August 27, 2020 public meeting, the North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners agreed to explore the creation of a “Non-residential buildings and structures ordinance.” If approved, the ordinance would set a minimum standard of maintenance, sanitation, and safety on commercial and industrial buildings and give the town tools to enforce it.

Such an ordinance is designed to catch and resolve instances of building deterioration before they become unrepairable. By requiring that buildings be maintained to a minimum standard by their owners, non-residential buildings and structures ordinances help preserve the beauty, safety, and economic vibrancy of the town.

Buildings that are kept in good states of repair will be unaffected by this ordinance. But because the ordinance can place additional requirements on property owners, the town wishes to include public input in its decision-making process. This week, town staff will send a survey to property owners and tenants in the downtown and CBD loop areas, soliciting their feedback and inquiring about their availability for public feedback sessions.

In the coming weeks, a similar survey will be made available to the general public on the town’s website and social media platforms. Public input sessions will be held in October, on dates yet to be determined. Finally, a formal public hearing will likely be held in December.

The Board of Commissioners is tentatively scheduled to review a draft ordinance at its September 24, 2020 Work Session. The draft is being prepared by NFocus LLC, a professional land planning, administration, and code enforcement firm under contract with the town.