Development & Design Services

Development

 

The focus of the Department of Development & Design Services is to manage and encourage growth to maintain quality of life for Morganton's residents. All new residential, commercial and industrial development is reviewed within the Department to assure consistency in Morganton's managed growth plan and assure proper infrastructure services are available. The department is keenly focused on new economic development strategies to sustain the City into the future.

Planning

 

The Department is primarily responsible for: planning, building inspections, zoning enforcement, CDBG Administration, Urban Design, infrastructure inspections, and code enforcement. The Department is also responsible for developing new ordinances, transportation planning, annexations, urban redevelopment services, housing renovation, special projects such as the Catawba River Greenway and the Catawba Meadows Baseball Complex.

Boards

 

Department staff work with the many Morganton Boards and Commissions such as the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Appearance Commission and Redevelopment Commission. The Department works very closely with other Departments to coordinate new and existing development.

Partnerships

 

The Department has recently worked with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to eventually bring passenger rail service back to the western part of the state. Morganton is a planned stop on a line that will link Asheville to Raleigh via Salisbury. The city has just completed an historic renovation of its depot which will be reused for passenger rail service. The renovated depot has also stimulated redevelopment in the surrounding area.

Mission 2030

 

Morganton's Mission 2030 Plan combines economic development planning with land use planning to sustain Morganton's competitive advantage in a global market place. The Plan recognizes that an efficient, strong, diverse and resilient economy is essential to achieving Morganton's overall development objectives.

The Plan lays out a vision for economic success that will influence future growth of our community.

Economic development strategies include:

• Grow Morganton's manufacturing and industrial base by supporting existing industries and attracting new industries to the area.
• Encourage diversification of Morganton's economic base by encouraging growth of existing small businesses and emerging businesses.
• Strengthen Morganton's reputation as a preferred location for business and their workforce. Focus on assets that will attract businesses in the technical, medical and research sectors.
• Grow Morganton and Burke County's tourism industry through investments in destination activities and programs, marketing, and supporting hospitality and tourism businesses.
• Strengthen Downtown Morganton as a destination for dining and entertainment. Diversify the downtown's retail base to include unique retail stores and galleries.

Click this link to read the full plan   Mission 2030 Plan, or pick up a plan brochure/summary at City Hall.