Rutherfordton, NC

Town Council

Town Council

Town Council

Town Council

Historic Preservation Commission

The Rutherfordton Historic Preservation Commission will hold a regular meeting on August 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Town Hall Council Chambers. The agenda includes approval of minutes from a July 30 special meeting, adoption of the agenda, and two certificate of appropriateness (COA) hearings: one for signs at Well Kneaded Bakery (177 N. Main St.) and one for a Coca-Cola sign at 122 W. Court Street. No other substantive business is listed.

• COA hearing for Well Kneaded Bakery signs at 177 N. Main St. (COA-2026-03)
• COA hearing for Coca-Cola sign at 122 W. Court Street (two design options)
• Approval of minutes from July 30 special meeting
• Adoption of agenda

Town Council

The Rutherfordton Town Council will meet on August 5, 2026, to decide on the final Crestview Park master plan, approve a new fire department pumper/tanker purchase, and amend the FY27 budget. The meeting will also include public hearings on development ordinance text amendments and a vote to close an unopened right-of-way on E. 1st Street.

• Adoption of Crestview Park master plan
• Approval of $2615 pumper/tanker purchase contract for Rutherfordton Fire Dept
• FY27 budget amendment to carry forward projects from FY26
• Public hearing on Rutherfordton Development Ordinance text amendments
• Approval to close unopened right-of-way on E. 1st Street

Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission will hold hearings to decide on proposed exterior changes for two properties. The meeting includes reviews of applications for 234 N Main Street and 133 Trade Street.

• COA Hearing for 234 N Main Street (The Corner Cork): proposed burgundy awning, walnut doors, and black trim windows
• COA Hearing for 133 Trade Street: proposed replacement of garage doors with windows and a new entry door
• Approval of May 14th and June 11th meeting minutes

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a special meeting to discuss and possibly recommend a proposed text amendment to the Rutherfordton Development Ordinance. The amendment would create a new Neighborhood Infill Residential Overlay district, allow flag lots, update driveway and parking standards, and make other technical changes.

• Creation of a Neighborhood Infill Residential Overlay (NIRO) district to allow greater infill development in the town core
• Introduction of flag lots with specific standards for lot width and front setback
• Minimum driveway separation of 47 feet along streets in certain districts to preserve on-street parking
• Increase in maximum accessory dwelling unit size to 1,200 square feet or 80% of principal structure
• Removal of waiting period for resubmission of denied applications as required by state law (Session Law 2025-94)

Town Council

The Town Council will consider a tentative award for the WWTP rehabilitation project and a budget amendment carrying forward projects from FY26. They will also adopt the Crestview Park Master Plan and discuss property acquisition at 144 Branch St for redevelopment.

• Tentative award of contract for WWTP rehabilitation project (SRP-W-134-0007)
• FY27 budget amendment (Ordinance 01-27) to carry forward projects from FY26
• Adoption of Crestview Park Master Plan
• Offer to purchase 144 Branch St for redevelopment
• Approval of amendments to Rostan Solutions task orders for FEMA services (Helene recovery)

Town Council

The Rutherfordton Town Council will vote on accepting a $223,700 federal grant to replace a fire brush truck, awarding a contract for a street culvert replacement, and closing several municipal project funds. Council members will also review a budget amendment and a library renovation cost increase before meeting in closed session.

• Accept $223,700 USDA grant and purchase a replacement brush truck (Unit 2620) from Anchor-Richey EVS
• Award contract to Sisk Grading for the Cleghorn & 2nd Street culvert replacement (FEMA Project 1481302)
• Approve revised Change Order No. 6 for the Norris Library waterproofing project
• Pass Ordinances 23-26, 24-26, and 25-26 to close ARPA Fund 42, Fire Station #2 Fund, and amend the FY26 budget

Planning Board

The Planning Board is considering a comprehensive set of amendments to the Rutherfordton Development Ordinance, including the creation of a new Neighborhood Infill Residential Overlay District, revisions to lot and driveway standards, and the addition of regulations for RV parks and solar energy systems. The board will also discuss repealing two previous amendments as part of an ongoing modernization effort.

• Repeal of Ordinance 18-24 and 06-26 regarding Articles 7, 8, 10, and 21
• New definition and standards for flag lots added to Article 3
• Reduction of maximum ADU size to 1,200 sq ft or 80% of principal dwelling
• Addition of Recreational Vehicle Park and Campground standards for AG and MHO districts
• New use category for Solar Energy System for grid production in IND district

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will discuss and provide comments on proposed improvements to crosswalks on Main Street. The project includes installing high-visibility crosswalks, bulb-out curbs, and upgrading curb ramps. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Request for comments on Main Street crosswalk improvements including bulb-out curbs, high-visibility crosswalks, and signal conversion

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a public hearing and then vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Other actions include approving financing for a new grapple truck and police interceptor, authorizing the purchase of property at 251 W. 3rd Street from Rutherford Housing Partnership, and considering bids for the Cleghorn & 2nd Street culvert replacement. Change orders for the Norris Library waterproofing and West Third Street culvert projects are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing and adoption of FY27 town budget (Ordinance 22-26)
• Approval of financing agreement for one grapple truck and one police interceptor
• Offer to purchase 251 W. 3rd Street from Rutherford Housing Partnership
• Culvert replacement project at Cleghorn & 2nd Street – bid tabulation
• Change orders for Norris Library waterproofing (Change Order No. 5 & 6) and West Third Street culvert (Change Order No. 1)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will hold a Certificate of Appropriateness hearing for a proposed public mural at 117 N Washington Street (primary location) or 123 W 2nd Street (alternate). The mural is part of a grant-funded project by Rutherford Food, Art & Brew and must comply with town mural regulations.

• COA hearing for FAB Mural at 117 N Washington St (primary) or 123 W 2nd St (alternate)
• Mural must not face Main Street and must be on a previously painted surface
• Town will own the grant-funded artwork upon completion

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review a comprehensive text change to the Rutherfordton Development Ordinance (RDO), including new overlay districts, reduced minimum lot sizes for RMST, increased maximum size for accessory dwelling units, and updated parking and street standards. The item is listed under old business as an overview.

• New Neighborhood Infill Residential Overlay (NIRO) district definition
• Reduction in minimum lot size for RMST from 5,000 to 3,360 sq ft (townhouses from 1,600 to 1,280 sq ft)
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) increased to 1,200 sq ft or 80% of principal dwelling
• Minimum 47-foot driveway spacing for new lots after July 1, 2026
• Manufactured Home Overlay (MHO) reduced from 5 to 2 acres

Planning Board

The Planning Board is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially approve a series of text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Proposed changes include new district definitions, reduced lot sizes, increased accessory dwelling unit sizes, parking and driveway standards, and allowance of flag lots.

• New Neighborhood Infill Residential Overlay (NIRO) district definition
• Minimum lot size in RMST reduced from 5,000 sq ft to 3,360 sq ft
• Accessory Dwelling Units increased to 1,200 sq ft or 80% of principal dwelling
• Driveway minimum spacing set at 47 feet for new lots after July 2026
• Flag lots permitted subject to standards in Article 16

Town Council

The Rutherfordton Town Council will discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, approve tentative awards for sewer projects, and authorize a contract for park lighting improvements. The meeting also includes a public hearing on budget amendments and text amendments to the RDO.

• Public hearing on FY 2027 budget
• Public hearing on RDO Text Amendments (ZTA 2026-01)
• Approval of tentative awards for SRP-W-134-0007 Sewer Projects
• Authorization of Musco Lighting Contract for Crestview Park
• Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendment - Ordinance 20-26

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Certificate of Appropriateness application from St. Francis Episcopal Church for a major landscaping project on the south lawn of its sanctuary. The project involves removing two large magnolia trees and ivy, then replanting with smaller trees and grass to improve visibility and reduce maintenance. The commission will also consider approving minutes from the February meeting.

• COA hearing for St. Francis Episcopal Church to remove two large magnolia trees and ivy from south lawn
• Replanting with dogwoods, redbuds, Japanese maples, and serviceberry to maintain historic setting
• Project aims to enhance visibility of stained glass including a Tiffany window from Main Street
• Timeline: fundraising summer 2026, work fall/winter 2026, completion by February 2027
• Approval of February 12, 2026 meeting minutes with one correction

Planning Board

Town Council

The Rutherfordton Town Council convened a special called meeting on April 8, 2026 at the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. Council members will discuss planning for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. No other agenda items involve decisions or approvals beyond standard procedural matters.

• Fiscal Year 2027 budget planning discussion

Town Council

The council will consider and vote on several items, including a task order for the SRF Helene Phase 1 engineering project, the town’s FY 2026 audit contract, and two local capital grant projects for the Woodrow Jones Building roof and the Norris Library basement flood mitigation. It will also act on a contract to remove a house at 151 S. Washington St and a resolution to begin Renew NC CDBG‑DR pre‑screening for Hurricane Helene recovery funding. Additional agenda items are listed under the consent agenda and old business.

• Approve Task Order #7 with WithersRavenel for SRF Helene Phase 1 engineering services (grant‑funded)
• Approve FY 2026 single‑audit contract for the town
• Approve OSBM Hurricane Helene Local Capital Grant for Woodrow Jones Building roof replacement (Grant ID 11455)
• Approve OSBM Hurricane Helene Local Capital Grant for Norris Library basement flood mitigation (Grant ID 11456)
• Approve Resolution 28‑26 authorizing Renew NC CDBG‑DR pre‑screening and applications for Hurricane Helene recovery funding

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to address citizen concerns and review training from the UNC School of Government. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items.

• UNC School of Government Planning and Zoning Board Training

Town Council

The Rutherfordton Town Council will consider several actions, including a resolution honoring National Vietnam Veterans Day, a tentative award for the WWTP USDA contract bid for sewer projects, bids and a contract for the Overmountain Man statue, a FY26 budget amendment ordinance, and a memorandum of understanding with the Foothills Regional Commission for CDBG‑DR grant administration. Additional items include a Crestview Park RFQ recommendation and an update to public comment procedures. Presentations from the Fire & Rescue Department and the NC Wildlife Officer will also be heard.

• Resolution 23-26 honoring National Vietnam Veterans Day 2026
• Resolution 24-26 Rutherfordton WWTP USDA Contract Bid – tentative award for sewer projects
• Overmountain Man statue bids and contract recommendation
• Ordinance 19-26 FY26 Budget Amendment
• MOU with Foothills Regional Commission for CDBG‑DR project oversight

Historic Preservation Commission

The Rutherfordton Historic Preservation Commission met on February 12, 2026 at Town Hall. The commission approved the minutes from the December 12, 2025 meeting after correcting a motion record. It adopted the meeting agenda. The commission voted unanimously to issue a certificate of appropriateness for a statue and landscaping at the corner of North Main Street and East Court Street. COA hearings were presented for the Rutherford County Detention Center project at 198 N Washington St and for documents at 199 N Main St, but no decisions were recorded.

• Approval of minutes from the Dec 12, 2025 meeting (correction to motion record)
• Adoption of the February 12, 2026 agenda
• Certificate of appropriateness issued for statue at North Main & East Court streets
• COA hearing presentation for Rutherford County Detention Center project (198 N Washington St)
• COA hearing presentation of maps and drawings for 199 N Main St

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a public hearing on rezoning application REZ‑01‑26 for 7.98 acres at Green Street and D. Mathis Drive. The council will consider Ordinance 18‑26 to amend the zoning map for that parcel. Additional items include a resolution to approve a Letter of Intent for the State Revolving Fund Helene sewer project and several local capital grant agreements for park lighting, building roof replacement, and library flood mitigation, as well as a FY26 budget amendment ordinance.

• Public hearing on REZ‑01‑26 rezoning of 7.98 acres at Green St & D. Mathis Dr
• Ordinance 18‑26 to amend the zoning map for REZ‑01‑26
• Resolution 22‑26 approving Letter of Intent for SRF Helene sewer project grant
• OSBM Hurricane Helene local capital grant agreements: Crestview Park lights (Grant ID 11457), Woodrow Jones Building roof (Grant ID 11455), Norris Library basement flood mitigation (Grant ID 11456)
• Ordinance 16‑26 FY26 budget amendment

Town Council - 22 Jan 2026- Fiscal Year 2027- Budget Planning Special Work Session Meeting

The Town Council is holding a special work session to plan the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The meeting also includes a mayoral proclamation declaring a state of emergency due to Winter Storm Fern.

• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Planning Session
• State of Emergency proclamation for Winter Storm Fern
• Authorization for emergency shelters and expenditure of Town funds for congregate care

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss a rezoning application for properties owned by Misty Mountain Farms LLC. The proposal seeks to change the zoning of 7.98 acres from Single-Family Residential (SFR-Z) to Residential Main Street Transition (RMST).

• Rezoning application for Misty Mountain Farms LLC properties at Green Street and D. Mathis Drive
• Proposed zoning change from SFR-Z to RMST for 7.98 acres

Historic Preservation Commission

The Rutherfordton Historic Preservation Commission will hold a Certificate of Appropriateness hearing for the Rutherfordton America 250 Overmountain Men Memorial Sculpture at the intersection of Court Street and North Main Street. The commission will consider installation details, tree preservation, and relocation of a wayfinding sign and dog waste station. The meeting also includes routine approval of minutes from the December 11 meeting and adoption of the agenda.

• COA hearing for the Rutherfordton America 250 Overmountain Men Memorial Sculpture at Court St & N Main St
• Review of site plan including a 7½‑ft bronze sculpture, small patio, and minor excavation
• Preservation work on a mature 34‑inch DBH Ginkgo tree by Fisher’s Tree Service (pruned Dec 2025)
• Relocation of an existing wayfinding sign and a dog waste station on the historic site
• Routine agenda items: approval of December 11 minutes and adoption of the agenda

Town Council

The Town Council will review a Parks & Recreation Master Plan and consider site control items for Fairview Housing. The body is also scheduled to address budget amendments and a rezoning case.

• Parks & Recreation Master Plan presentation by Foothills Regional Commission
• Fairview Housing site control items including Offer to Purchase and MOU
• Resolution 20-26 supporting America 250 and Overmountain Man Statue
• Rutherfordton ABC Board Settlement Agreement on profit distribution
• REZ Case # 01-26 public hearing call