Are you interested in the future of your community and have extra time to volunteer? Would you like to serve on one of Blowing Rock’s municipal boards?
The Blowing Rock Town Council will soon consider appointments to the Planning Board, the Board of Adjustment, the Tourism Development Authority, the Alcohol Beverage Control Board and the Blowing Rock Appearance Advisory Commission. Each of these boards has an essential role in preserving and protecting the quality and character of our community. These vacancies are for those members who live within Town limits.
Planning Board – 4 Vacancies
The Planning Board conducts studies and makes recommendations to the Town Council on matters related to the growth and development of the Town. The Planning Board reviews all requests for new subdivisions, all requests for zoning changes, requests for new commercial development, and makes recommendations to the Town Council on whether those requests should be approved, modified, or denied. The Town has established standards for new subdivisions and other new development through the adoption of a Land Use Ordinance. The Planning Board reviews any proposed changes to the Land Use Ordinance and will often initiate such changes to ensure that the regulations are current and provide the proper protection for the Town and its residents. There are nine (9) members on the Planning Board, eight (8) members who live within Town limits and one being an Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) member. The Board meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Members are appointed by the Town Council for a term of three (3) years. There will be 4 (Brooks Mason, Tom Barrett, Bill McCarter and Lindsay Cook) vacancies on this Board.
Board of Adjustment – 3 Vacancies
The Land Use Ordinance establishes regulations for the use and development of land within the community. However, sometimes a property owner, because of special characteristics on his or her property, will request a variance from the specific regulations in the Land Use Ordinance. The Board of Adjustment reviews variance requests and hears appeals from any person who may disagree with any order, directive, or decision made by the Zoning Administrator. There are six (6) full members on the Board of Adjustment, one being an Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), plus three (3) alternate members. The Board meets at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, when cases are pending. Members are appointed by the Town Council for a term of three (3) years. There will be 3 (Jerry Starnes, Sarah Murphy and Larry Armor – alternate member) (2) full member vacancies and (1) alternate member vacancy.
Tourism Development Authority- 1 Vacancy
The Tourism Development Authority (TDA) promotes, solicits, and encourages tourism in the Town of Blowing Rock in accordance with adopted Town plans/policies and administers the appropriation of the room occupancy tax proceeds. This Authority also studies the impact of tourism on the Town and develops strategies to minimize any negative impacts of tourism on the Town. The Authority shall have at least one/third of its members affiliated with lodging establishments that collect the occupancy tax and at least three/fourths of its members active in the promotion of travel and tourism in Blowing Rock. There are five (5) members of the Tourism Development Authority. The Board meets at 3:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday in March, June, September and December. Members are appointed by the Town Council for a term of three (3) years. This Board will have 1 (Zika Rea) vacancy for At-large Member.
Public Land Appearance and Recreation Board (Appearance Board) – (Formerly BRAAC) – 4 Vacancies
The Public Land Appearance and Recreation Board consists of seven (7) members, all of whom are citizens and residents of the Planning and Zoning jurisdiction of the Town. It is desirable that at least one member be a member of the design profession and one have a recreational background. The Board shall have all the responsibilities and duties imposed by the enabling ordinance and shall promote and assist in the implementation of general community beautification in accordance with adopted Town plans/policies. This Board also studies the appearance characteristics of the Town, recommends standards and policies of design for the Town, serves as the Town tree board, public art board and assists with studies and recommendations related to Town recreation needs. The Board meets at 9:00 a.m. the last Thursday of the month. Members are appointed by the Town Council for a term of three (3) years. There will be 4 vacancies (David Goodson and three vacant seats)
Alcohol Beverage Control Board- 1 Vacancy
The Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC) oversees the operation and management of the Town ABC store and employs a local ABC officer to oversee the enforcement of State of North Carolina ABC laws. There are three (3) members on the ABC Board and the Board meets at 3:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Members are appointed by the Town Council for a term of three (3) years. This Board will have 1 (Susie Greene) vacancy.
If you have an interest in serving on one of these important citizen boards, please complete a Board Appointment Application by Friday, January 23, 2026. The application is attached, but also is located on our website www.townofblowingrocknc.gov or a copy can be picked up at Town Hall. Once completed please submit to Hilari Hubner, Town Clerk, at Post Office Box 47, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 either by mail or email to clerk@townofblowingrocknc.gov or drop off at Town Hall.
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