Summary: Rural Character

Forsyth County’s natural beauty, rural character and agricultural resources are among its most important features. As population pressures from the more urban areas increase, it may become more difficult to preserve this area. Our existing rural character features an abundance of agricultural, forest and opens land. In order to be successful in retaining these most important assets, we must establish a clear vision of what is most important to our community and what needs to happen to help landowners keep those lands as economically viable rural uses. That vision can guide how rural character is defined and protected. Forsyth County needs to continue to be flexible and creative in how it addresses existing development patterns and how to provide for future development in the Rural Area. We must balance the needs of rural residents with the protection of those parts of the rural environment that contribute to every citizen's quality of life and economic and physical well-being.