Many rural communities are revitalizing their downtown areas, aiming to restore them as vibrant hubs. Heart of Brevard offers access to planning tools, case studies, funding resources, organizational support, and effective strategies to air businesses considering a downtown revitalization project.

Federal and state rehabilitation tax credits create jobs, bolster the tax base, and revitalize existing buildings while preserving the state’s priceless historic character. These programs, administered by the State Historic Preservation Office (HPO) in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), encourage the conservation and ongoing use of North Carolina’s historic built environment. Owners and developers may potentially receive a 20% federal income tax credit and a 15-25% state income tax credit for certified rehabilitations of income-producing historic structures.

Resources for business restoration and preservation:

• State Historic Preservation Office
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
• North Carolina Main Street
• Joint Historic Preservation Commission of Transylvania County

Any new sign requires a permit, regardless of whether they are temporary or permanent. Some typical examples we see downtown are temporary banners to announce a new business opening, A-frame signs, wall signs, projection signs that hang down from an awning, etc. Please see the links below for the complete sign ordinance for the City of Brevard and the sign permit application:

When a business/building owner makes changes to the building itself, they need to complete a zoning permit to record the amount of work being done to the building. The City of Brevard’s ordinance requires that when a certain value (e.g., 50% of the building value) is invested in the building, some of the nonconformities need to be addressed. For this, the ordinance is not talking about moving shelves, inventory, or equipment, but rather changes to the building like moving walls, upgrades, façade changes, etc.

• Please note that City Council has recently adopted new architectural standards. These changes will apply to any new construction and any time a façade element is changed (e.g., if the building is being painted, it can only be done if permitted by the new standards).

If a business that fronts a public right-of-way wants to place objects on the sidewalk within the pedestrian way, the City of Brevard requires them to secure a sidewalk usage permit. This can be sidewalk dining for restaurants, retailers placing merchandise outside, outdoor decorations, etc. There are additional requirements for submittal – like proof of liability insurance and a completed hold harmless agreement – that are included on the permit and in the guidebook.

If a business or building owner needs to close the street, sidewalk, or parking spaces, the City of Brevard requires them to fill out the Special Event / Sidewalk, Street, and Parking Space Closure form. This is typically used for building renovations / remodels or moving in/out of a space.