Welcome to Chimney Rock Village, NC Government Services - the place to learn about the operations & services provided by the local government. NOTICE: CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR OPERATING SHORT-TERM RENTALS Per Chimney Rock Village Ordinances, all Short-term Rentals within the municipal limits are required to have an approved Conditional Use Permit. The Village has basic requirements to be rented out as a Short-term rental, these include but are not limited to: managed by an entity that collects and pays Rutherford County Room Tax Fees or the property owners (self managed) are registered with the Rutherford County Department of Revenue, on-site Parking, operational utilities such as water/well, sewer/septic, electric, proposed safe driving directions to the property and other general guidelines or restrictions. The Village Council has approved the re-establishment and operations for properties that have a Conditional Use Permit for Short-term Rentals to begin on and after June 27, 2025. Penalties and Fines for operating a short-term rental without an approved Conditional Use Permit are enforced. Application fees are discounted until June 30 to $ 100. Beginning July 1, 2025, application fees will be $ 300. Click here to view the application or ordinances. Questions or request for an application may be submitted to chimneyrockvillagegov@gmail.com. CONTRIBUTE TO THE DISASTER RECOVERY FUND. Mayor Peter O'Leary and the Village Council Online Documents Meetings & Announcements Public Notices Area Resources

Online Document Portal: Meeting Minutes, Annual Budget Documents, Official Code of Ordinances & All Zoning Permit Applications Zoning Permits Introduction to the Chimney Rock Village Permitting Process: Provided below is a list of permits for use as part of the Zoning for Chimney Rock Village. In most cases, only one permit will be required. Yet, there are special circumstances where addendum applications may be requested and required. Timelines: Contact the Zoning Administrator prior to initiating any activity that may require a zoning review or some type of zoning permit. Any necessary fees must be paid in advance before any reviews begin. All permit applications have fees associated with them that must be paid at the time of the application. If a hearing or variance request is necessary, there may be additional fees required. Please be aware: Depending on the type of permit requested, time frames for the entire process - from receipt, consideration, and final approvals - may take 4-6 weeks. There is usually a minimum of 4-6 weeks for basic compliance requests. That time frame can be longer for applications requiring a public hearing or for more complex and detailed zoning compliance matters. Note that the Rutherford County Building Inspection Department will not issue a building permit until your project/activity has been approved by Chimney Rock Village and the correct Zoning Compliance Permit has been approved. For Additional Information, call or email the Zoning Administrator, Stephen G Duncan, (828) 777-5718 Email Links to Z oning Permit A pplications If you are uncerta in what type of permit you may need or you want to know the costs and process involved with a particular permit application, start here. Permit Applications and All Zoning Ma ps: Sign Permit Application Zoning Compliance Basic Permit Zoning Permit for Variance, Rezoning or Annexation Application for Conditional Use Permit – Short-Term Rentals - Revised June 2025 Residential Ordinance for Short-Term Rentals Conditional Use Permit Permit Application for New Construction and Land Disturbance Application for Basic Land Recombination All Zoning Maps R utherford County Building Inspection Department (External Link) 270 N Toms St Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828) 287-6035 (828) 287-6338 (fax) permits@rutherfordcountync.gov Clicking the following link redirects to AmLegal, where all of the Chimney Rock Village Ordinances are codified and searchable: Budget Docum ents 2024-2025 Village Budget 2022-2023 Village Budget 202 0-2021 V illage Budget 2019-2020 Village Budget Council Meet ing Minutes 2025 Council Minutes 2024 Council Minutes 2023 Council Minutes Planning Board Minutes 2025-2026 Planning Board Minutes 2023-2024 Planning Board Minutes 2021-2022 Planning Board Minutes 2020 Planning Board Minutes Village Comprehensive Plan 2011 Comprehensive Plan Information & Application to Rent the Gathering Place (The Barbara T. Meliski Amphitheater) Description & Various Appropriate Uses Guidelines & Application Rental Form Tropical Storm Helene Relief Assistance Chimney Rock Village Give-Send-Go Ordinance Resolution Authorizing the Chimney Rock Village to Accept Cash Donations into the General Fund for Hurricane Helene Relief Declaration for Local Government Appropriations Application for Helene Relief To Pay for Permit Fees, Send Checks and the Application to: Chimney Rock Village P.O. Box 300 Chimney Rock, NC 28720 ATTN: Zoning Permits Questions: Email us Archives Village Municipal Minutes, Plans & Budgets prior to 2020 Chart of Fees Chimney Rock Village Official Code of Ordinances (This is an External Link)

Village Services As a service to its citizens, Chimney Rock Village provides its code of ordinances and regulations online. Codification is a process of organizing and arranging all legislation of a general and permanent nature into a Code, also known as a “Code of Ordinances.” ACCESS OUR VILLAGE ORDINANCES Municipal services refer to the services that citizens of Chimney Rock Village receive in exchange for the taxes they pay. These Village Services are outlined below: WATER & SEWER UTILITIES: Beginning April 1, 2024, the firm James and James Environmental was contracted to operate the Village’s water and sewer systems. This firm prepares invoices, collects for water and sewer use, and coordinates water/sewer connections. Their personnel read water meters, address questions or issues, and respond to damage, water line breaks, and any immediate needs. They make all required reports to the State of North Carolina and are licensed in North Carolina for the operation of private and public water and sewer systems. Water and Sewer rates are posted and are invoiced and collected by James and James Environmental on behalf of Chimney Rock Village, the owner of the water and sewer systems. Beginning in July 2025, sewer customers who are within the Village municipal limits or connected to the Chimney Rock Village wastewater collection system will be assessed a maintenance and operations fee in addition to water charges based on water rates. The wastewater fees are as follows: Residential, general retail, and rentals with less than 3 units: $15 per month Multi-family units and lodging with 4 to 9 units: $35 per month Lodging of 10+ units and restaurants: $50 per month. Grease Traps must beoperational and are subject to inspection by the village-authorizedmanagement firm, James and James Environmental, or the HealthDepartment. APPLICATIONS FOR WATER and/or WATER SERVICES: Complete and send to: Chimney Rock Village P.O. Box 300 Chimney Rock, NC 28720 They can also be submitted via email to Chimneyrockvillagegov@gmail.com. Please allow up to 21 days for consideration. Connection fees are $1,500 for a water tap and $ 2,000 for a sewer tap. PAYMENT: Auto-drafts are available. To set it up please call (828) 697-0063. Cash, check, or money orders are also accepted and payable to CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE, 3801 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28791. Late fees or fees for checks with insufficient funds apply. Additional information: Routine questions or needs during regular business hours: (828) 697-0063 EMERGENCY or after-hours: (828) 674-8171. Please contact Stephen G Duncan at (828) 777-5718 or at chimneyrockvillagegov@gmail.com WATER AND SEWER RATE SCHEDULE PUBLIC SANITATION & RECYCLING: Chimney Rock Village provides and pays for the cost of recycling services to village residents. Recyclables and regular trash are picked up on Wednesdays. You may use your own recycling bin or purchase one from the village. Businesses must arrange for their own recycling and trash pick up. Trash and recycling Nelon Garbage service Michael Nelon 828-779-2397 This is for residents only Household garbage only-no yard waste FIRE PROTECTION: (For all emergencies, call 911) Chimney Rock Village has an incorporated fire department that works closely with all other departments in the county. The village maintains up-to-date equipment and fire trucks. POLICE PROTECTION: The Rutherford County Sheriff's Department provides our primary law enforcement protection. They have a mutual aid agreement with the Town of Lake Lure. The Lake Lure Police Department's non-emergency number is 828-625-4685, and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department's number is 828-287-6247. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES: Emergency management services are provided through Rutherford County EMS. Learn more about Rutherford County EMS. CABLE SERVICES & INTERNET PROVIDERS: Northland Cable provides cable services - (828) 245-1633 Chimney Rock Village has limited Wi-Fi in several parts of the Village. AT&T, SkyRunner, Pangea, and others offer Internet Services for your home or business.

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE: July 7th Public Hearings There will be two public hearings on July 7 at 3 pm (Planning Board) and 5:30 pm (Village Council) at the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department - Community Meeting room regarding applications for a Conditional Use Permit for operating a Short-term Rental within Chimney Rock Village municipal limits. The Planning Board will review applications at 3 pm and will present and have a public hearing on these applications prior to making their recommendations to the Village Council. The Village Council will have a public hearing at 5:30 pm on these applications, including reporting the recommendations from the Planning Board. These public hearings are for reporting and taking public comments on these applications. This is an official Village Government announcement. For additional information or questions, please email to chimneyrockvillagegov@gmail.com OCT. 15, 2024 SPECIAL NOTICE: The active community wells within Chimney Rock Village were analyzed for total coliform and e-coli on October 14, 2024. These test results showed no presence of bacteria. Therefore, the boil water advisory has been cancelled. Regular water system operations have resumed from the operational wells to include chlorination and water analysis as required by the State of North Carolina and Division of Environmental Quality. Please continue to perform water conservation. Terrace Drive Water Sample Buddy Lane Water Sample Fire Department Water Sample #1 Fire Department Water Sample #2

Meetings & Announcements NOTICE: July 7th Public Hearings There will be two public hearings on July 7 at 3 pm (Planning Board) and 5:30 pm (Village Council) at the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department - Community Meeting room regarding applications for a Conditional Use Permit for operating a Short-term Rental within Chimney Rock Village municipal limits. The Planning Board will review applications at 3 pm and will present and have a public hearing on these applications prior to making their recommendations to the Village Council. The Village Council will have a public hearing at 5:30 pm on these applications, including reporting the recommendations from the Planning Board. These public hearings are for reporting and taking public comments on these applications. This is an official Village Government announcement. For additional information or questions, please email to chimneyrockvillagegov@gmail.com FUTURE MEETINGS: Chimney Rock Village Council Starting in April, the Village Council Workshop Meeting will be on the 1st Monday of the month and the Village Council Regular Meeting will be the 3rd Tuesday following the 1st Monday of each month. Meetings will begin at 5:30PM. All Council meetings are returning to the Community Meeting Room located at the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department at 109 Terrace Drive. Meetings are open to the public and citizens may sign up to speak or simply show up. Any cancellation or rescheduled meeting will be announced here and updated on the Village Official Facebook Page. PETER O'LEARY Mayor BUCK MELISKI Mayor Pro-tem STEPHEN DUNCAN Village Administrator Councilman Patrick Warnke Email Councilman Bruce Godzik Email Councilman April Schick Email PUBLIC NOTICES Chimney Rock Village Planning Board Chair Barbara Meliski Email Members: Don Cason, Danny Holland, Ann Gaskey, Amy Wald

News from Mayor Peter O'Leary MAYOR PETER O'LEARY UPDATE | July 02, 2025 Friday, June 27, was a great day for Chimney Rock. Exactly 9 months after the flood and Chimney Rock State Park has reopened. Governor Stein officially declared the Park open and we had a number of special guests join us. Secretary of NCDNCR, Pam Cashwell; Secretary of Transportation, Joey Hopkins; NC Legislator Jake Johnson; NC Senator Tim Moffitt; Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett and many other legislators and political figures as well as local leaders were there to celebrate. One of the distinguished guests was our own Bonnie Elliotte. The temporary bridge has been named the “Bonnie Elliotte” bridge as it crosses the former site of Elliotte’s Grocery, which was damaged beyond repair by the flood. Bonnie and her niece, Brenda Brackett Crawford, have been instrumental in helping the State Park to reopen. When the state was searching for a solution as to where to put the temporary entrance their property became a viable site when it was determined that a bridge could be used there. Even though they have future plans for the property they were willing to work for the good of the Village and the State Park and came to an agreement to allow the temporary use of their property for a bridge. Bonnie actually grew up in the house between The Christmas Shop and Chimney Rock Harley Davidson. Bonnie and her mother started Elliotte’s Grocery in 1952 and ran it until the early 2000s. It was a one room storehouse of groceries, information, advice, and conversation. The type of store you just can’t find anymore. Their cooperation paved the way for the Park to reopen and helped bring about another huge milestone in our Village’s recovery. Thank you to Bonnie and Brenda for your important part in continuing the Village’s journey forward. As of today, our Village “Open for business” chart shows four businesses open; Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock Essentials, Hickory Nut Plants and Gifts, and the Dogwood Travel Park. Many of the rest are just waiting on a few small fixes and projects. I expect during the month of July we will see a lot more businesses opening back up. The State Park and the Village continue to work with DOT reviewing bridge designs on the permanent bridge into the Park. Suggestions are being incorporated into the design as we work toward a bridge that not only meets the basic transportation needs but will be a visual asset to our Village. The Village also received the great news that our six applications for funding from the NC Dept of Commerce were approved. These six grants, totaling $5,500,000 will go towards building small business infrastructure on the eastern entrance to the Village. We will be putting in sidewalks, curb and gutter, and retaining walls to further the streetscape from the Village Square next to Bubba O'Leary's eastward to the Broad River Inn. A retaining wall is planned for the property next to the Post Office and this will be used as infill commercial development to potentially relocate the businesses lost during the storm from the Old Rock to the Brewery. These suggestions are from the TASK Force Master Plan. The plan is still being developed but it was instrumental in the success of these six grant applications. Representatives from the NC Dept of Commerce attended our public input session on the Master Plan and were very impressed with the work that the Village has done towards recovery. The efforts of Don Cason and the TASK Force are already paying off. This will continue as we implement the suggestions in the Master Plan. The Plan gives us something to sell as we apply for future grants and look to recover and rebuild. Granting agencies want doable plans that show overall vision and planning and demonstrate exactly how a community will use funds to rebuild. The TASK Force and the Village will continue to work with the State and other groups to study our Village, its economy, our assets, and determine what we need to recover, rebuild, and thrive – all while maintaining the beauty, charm, and magic that make Chimney Rock Village truly special. Send in your ideas, suggestions, & questions!

SUPPORT WNC Main Street Visit Chimney Rock Village merchants on the second floor of the International Pavilion at the Tryon International Equestrian Center while they rebuild. Shops open Wednesday through Sunday. Driving directions. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION (EWP) PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE Chimney Rock Village is working with the USDA-RCS to implement the EWP program. The watershed impairments that EWP can address are limited to those that create an emergency by impairing flows and threatening lives, public health or property. A site visit will be conducted to verify and document the damage. For questions, call Penny Martinez at 828-289-5672. View form request. VEHICLE REPLACMENT PROGRAM Working Wheels NC has launched two initiatives to assist Hurricane Helene victims with car replacment or repair. This is a certified nonprofit based out of Asheville. If your car was totaled or damaged by the flood and you need help getting a new one (beyond what you may get from insurance or FEMA) please visit their website to learn more: https://workingwheelswnc.org/hurricane-helene-relief-fund/ SHORT-TERM RENTALS UPDATES FOR CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE Notice: The Chimney Rock Village Council approved the ability of the Zoning Administrator and the Planning Board to begin taking applications to re-establish Conditional Use Permits for Short-term Rentals after March 1, 2025. The revised application i s now available. The fee is $100 until June 30, 2025. The fee will return to $300 on July 1, 2025. The updated application could be subject to further updates. All short-term rentals of less than 30 days are required to have an approved Conditional Use Permit for Short-term Rentals. Appropriate water and sewer/well and septic systems will have to be operational. Applicable and adequate onsite parking at the rental property must be available. An acceptable set of directions to and from the property are required. The property should have no unrepaired damage from TS Helene or any other structural deficiency. The structures must be located within all setbacks. If there are to be any updates, improvements or significant storm damage repairs, the Rutherford County Building Inspection Department must review and approve them. There will be a $100 fee to process the application. All such properties must be registered with the Rutherford County Department of Revenue, either directly or through VRBO, Airbnb or similar and all are required to pay Rutherford County Room Tax Fees. Please follow the website or Facebook.com/ChimneyRockVillageNC for additional release of information. LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR HURRICANE-RELATED MATTERS Legal Aid of NC can provide survivors with information about their rights, answer questions about insurance and claims, advocate for people when they are applying for recovery fund assistance and appealing decisions, and assist with Benefits Appeals/ FEMA. Visit the Legal Aid of NC website or call the helpline at (866) 219-5262 for more information. Additional program information. SBA LOANS Small businesses and non-profits are eligible for up to $2M in economic injury loans. The deadline for economic injury loans is June 3, 2025. To learn more visit, SBA Loans. BUILDING PERMITS UPDATE: Chimney Rock Village coordinates all Building Permits with the Rutherford County Building Inspection Department. This includes Flood Zone Management. Any property owner, prior to contacting the County Inspection Department, should get a Zoning Approval Letter from Mr. Stephen Duncan, Zoning Administration for the Village. Send an email with your name, contact information, property address and the purpose of your construction directly to tevierides@aol.com . All fees are waived at this time for Zoning Reviews. Stephen will review and if there are any questions, will contact you directly. Once approved, Stephen will notify the Rutherford County Building Inspection Department of the approval and you will be ready to make application for appropriate Building Permits with that office. Chimney Rock Village - Zoning Reviews: Mr. Stephen G Duncan, Village Administration tevierides@aol.com For Building Permits or Specific Questions, including Flood Zone/Way Management: Mr. Shane Dotson; Rutherford County Building Inspection Department shane.dotson@rutherfordcountync.gov Office: (828) 287-6036 PROCEDURE FOR REPAIRS TO COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE - Call the Rutherford County Building Inspection Department at 828-287-6035. - Apply for a Commercial Building Repair Permit. - Available online at Rutherford County website: https://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/.../apply_for_permits.php - May have to complete and have notarized an Owner Exemption Affidavit. Ruth Sams or Shane Dotson are available to assist you with obtaining this permit. PROPERTY OWNERS NOTICE No Permit Required for Demo/Basic Work: As property owners move forward, they do not need a Rutherford County Building Inspection Permit for demolition and basic work to protect the structural integrity of the building. Permit Required for Restoration/Renovation: When restoration and renovation begin, a Rutherford County Building Permit is required and all necessary inspections. These are required prior to electricity being restored. Please contact the Rutherford County Building Inspector Office at 828-287-6035 Contractor Pass: Contractors working on behalf of Village property owners will be required to have a Pass, which is good from 7am – 7pm daily. Please contact Barbara Meliski at barmel@bellsouth.net to obtain a contractor pass. Each company will receive one pass for the contractor or supervisor and must accompany crews to the work site. FEMA deadline for applications is Nov. 27, 2024. Tips for applying. RELIEF FUND A special Relief Fund was established by the Chimney Rock Village Council at their Council meeting on October 15, 2024 to raise funds and provide assistance for the immediate needs of the residents, citizens, businesses and property owners adversely affected by tropical storm Helene. The Village application for assistance is now available at the Village Fire Department and online. Apply now for Helene Relief Funding. WATER NOTICE The active community wells within Chimney Rock Village were analyzed for total coliform and e-coli on October 14, 2024. These test results showed no presence of bacteria. Therefore, the boil water advisory has been cancelled. Regular water system operations have resumed from the operational wells to include chlorination and water analysis as required by the State of North Carolina and Division of Environmental Quality. Please continue to perform water conservation.

Local, State & County Resources RUTHERFORD COUNTY VISITOR INFORMATION: Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce Chimney Rock Village Community Development Association Lake Lure Tours, Beach, and Marina Chimney Rock State Park Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources North Carolina General Assembly North Carolina Information Server North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission RELOCATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES IN RUTHERFORD COUNTY Rutherford County Economic Development Commission Isothermal Planning and Development Commission Rutherford County GIS (Online Tax Information ) Rutherford County Government The Daily Courier Newspaper The Mountain Breeze EDUCATIONAL LINKS Rutherford County Schools Isothermal Community College Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Lake Lure Classical Academy Mountains Branch Library OTHER MUNICIPALITIES IN RUTHERFORD COUNTY & STATE GOVERNMENT RESOURCES The Town of Lake Lure The Town of Rutherfordton The Town of Spindale The Town of Forest City State Government North Carolina Department of Commerce EDUCATIONAL LINKS Rutherford County Schools Isothermal Community College Lake Lure Classical Academy, K-12 Public Charter School Mountains Branch Library

Valuing Residents, Welcoming Visitors Please note: Chimney Rock Village is currently closed to the Public. The Village is working hard to re-open as soon as possible. Chimney Rock Village is the vibrant retail and visitor heartbeat of stunning Hickory Nut Gorge, a natural gap that winds through the southern Appalachian Mountains. It contains such unique geological features as the Chimney Rock formation itself and many rare plants and animals. Located just over an hour from Charlotte, only 25 miles south of Asheville, and a short 30 minutes from Hendersonville, Chimney Rock Village sits at the base of the famous Chimney Rock State Park and along the Rocky Broad River. "Chimney Rock" takes its name from a large granite outcropping located on a summit above the Village itself. Known as a trendy and laid-back vacation spot, day-trip adventure destination, and a perfect weekend getaway, the Village is also an ideal place to start a family, retire, or raise school-age children. The Village has long served as the commercial hub where residents from nearby Lake Lure come for social outings, dining, hiking, fishing, and meeting up with friends at one of our handful of cool outdoor bars and cafes. Distinctive to the Village is our very own ‘in town’ Rocky Broad RiverWalk , an easily accessible trail, picnic, and fishing spot favored by visitors and locals alike. Towering 315 feet over the Village, the historic Chimney Rock State Park was privately owned for over 100 years. It became an official North Carolina State Park in 2007. With an elevation range from about 1,100 feet to 2,800 feet, the park will ultimately include over 5,000 acres. The 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls is among the most dramatic waterfalls in the United States, made forever famous for its footage in the movie, The Last of the Mohicans, filmed here in 1992. Plan Your Visit Here! Whether it's strolling Main Street, fishing on the river, dining at one of our cafes, or scaling the heights of our cliffs, Chimney Rock Village has something for everyone and every age.

Frequently Asked Questions How do I get a permit for new construction or adding on to my home/building? You will more than likely need a permit. Visit on our Online Documents page here to learn more about the types of permits needed for various residential and commercial projects. I'd like to change the sign in front of my business. Do I need a permit for that? Probably! Download the sign permit application here and then get in touch with our Village Administrator to see what you might need to do. I'm thinking about moving to the Chimney Rock Village/Lake Lure area, where can I get more information?" Take a look at our About us page, our Services page, and then also get in touch with the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge for information on schools, realtors, employment opportunities, and more. Is recycling mandatory in Chimney Rock Village, and if so, how do I go about getting signed up and how do I get my bins?" Recycling is mandatory in the Village. Our municipality provides and pays for the cost of recycling services to village residents. Recyclables are picked up on Wednesdays, along with regular trash. You may use your own recycling bin or purchase one from the village by emailing us at chimneyrockvillagegov@gmail.com. Businesses must arrange for their own recycling and trash pick up.

Our Beginnings Run Deep Chimney Rock Village has been the center of a tourist Mecca for over 400 years. According to documents from the Madrid library, Hernando Desoto led his conquistadors through Hickory Nut Gorge on the way to the Mississippi River. Hunters and trappers used the Gorge as a passage to and from Asheville and Revolutionary War patriots known as the Overmountain Victory Men passed through on their way to defeat the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain. The earliest settlers near Chimney Rock were around 1805, about the time area newspapers were reporting mirages or apparitions that had been seen against the cliffs of Chimney Rock Mountain. In 1830, Colonel Leventhorpe came to the Gorge in search of gold which had supposedly been buried here by a party of Englishmen when they were ambushed by Indians. Although there was reportedly a map of the location of the gold, the Colonel did not find it, and as late as 1928 people were still hunting for it. From about 1875 the Freeman family owned the actual rock column known as Chimney Rock and constructed the first bridge between the cliff and the top of Chimney Rock. For 25 cents they would take visitors up the mountain by horseback. Around 1902, Dr. Lucius B. Morse came to the area and with his two brothers bought the Chimney. The Morse family developed the property into present day Chimney Rock Park, encompassing over 1000 acres. In 2007, it became an official North Carolina State Park Historic Timeline 1874 A series of earthquakes begins. Centered in Bald Mountain (Rumbling Bald). 1880 Jerome B. Freeman purchases 400 acres of land, including Chimney Rock, from a land speculation company for $25. Chimney Rock Post Office opens. 1885 Chimney Rock opens to the public by J. B. Freeman. 1890- 1893 J. B. Freeman purchases additional acreage from M.L. Toms, H. and S. Ewart, J.W., and L.C. Freeman, and J. H. and L. Freeman. 1891 Steps are c onstructed to Chimney Rock. 1892 Col. Thomas Turner opens the Esmeralda Inn and operates it until 1937. 1895 George P. Horton opens Mountain View Inn across from Chimney Rock. 1898 James M. and Lavena Flack purchase Mountain View Inn. 1902 J. B. Freeman sells 64 acres including Chimney Rock to Dr. Lucius B. Morse and brothers for $5000. 1915 Rutherfordton - Asheville Highway completed, and construction on the graded road to Chimney Rock Park begins. 1916 The road and bridge to Chimney Rock Park opens. A major flood causes extensive damage in the Gorge, kills eight people In Bat Cave, and destroys the Chimney Rock Bridge. 1917 The Esmeralda Inn is destroyed by fire. 1919 Cliff Dweller’s Inn opens on top of Chimney Rock Mountain. 1922 The owner of Chimney Rock, Lucius Morse, and his brothers envision a large summer resort in the area and form Chimney Rock Mountains, Inc. 1923 Chimney Rock Mountains, Inc. purchases 8,000 acres east of Chimney Rock Park. 1925 Construction of the Lake Lure Dam begins. 1926 Morse sells Chimney Rock and adjoining land to Chimney Rock Mountains, Inc. 1926-1927 Lake Lure was created and filled. The Town of Lake Lure is chartered. 1929 The Great Depression stops or slows the development of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock projects. Lucius Morse and his brothers repossess the original Chimney Rock Company property. 1930 Fire in the heart of Chimney Rock Village destroys nine buildings. 1947 The Washburn family purchases the old Logan House. It becomes Pine Gables Inn. 1948-1949 Cliff Dweller’s I nn is demolished. An elevator is installed at Chimney Rock Park. 1956 The Mountain View Inn is destroyed by fire. 1991 Chimney Rock Village incorporates as a government municipality . 20th Century Fox films “The Last of the Mohicans” in Chimney Rock Park. 1996 A major flood causes extensive damage in Hickory Nut Gorge. On Sept. 4th, thirteen inches of rain falls in three hours. 1997 The Esmeralda Inn is again destroyed by fire. 1999 A c omprehensive zoning ordinance approved for Chimney Rock Village. 2002 A referendum to allow liquor by the drink is defeated 69 to 31 percent. (Also defeated in 1995 with 56% against, and again in 1999 with 76% against.) 2005 The North Carolina House and Senate pass and the Governor signs a bill to create Hickory Nut Gorge State Park. 2006 The 1000-acre Chimney Rock Park offered for sale to the public for $55 million. The state of North Carolina had offered $20 million. 2007 The state of North Carolina purchases the 996-acre Chimney Rock Park from the Morse family for $24 million. 2009 Spearheaded by Chimney Rock Mayor Barbara Meliski, an amphitheater to be known as "The Gathering Place" was completed in downtown Chimney Rock and hosted an inaugural town celebration and pig roast. 2011 The state's master plan for the new state park, now renamed Chimney Rock State Park, was completed and published. Contained within it are short-range plans and a long-range vision covering all aspects of park development and amenities. Compiled by Dr. R.J. Wald, resident of Chimney Rock Village

Your Village Mayor & Council View Council Minutes Here Mayor Peter O' Leary (828) 625-2479 bubbaolearys@bellsouth.net Village Administrator Stephen G. Duncan (828) 777-5718 tevierides@aol.com Mayor Pro Tem Buck Meleski barmel@bellsouth.net Councilman Patrick Warncke Email Councilman Bruce Godzik Email Councilman April Schick Email Village Planning Board Barbara Meliski, Chair. Danny Holland Don Cason Ann Gaskey Nick Sottile View Planning Board Minutes Form of Government in Chimney RockVillage The form of government in Chimney Rock Village is Mayor-Council. Its corporate name is Chimney Rock Village. The name of the governing board is called Council Members. There are five members. The Mayor is a Council member chosen by the board at the organizational meeting after each election. Governing board members serve four-year staggered terms. The board members are elected at large. Elections are non-partisan, and the results are determined by plurality, with the person or persons receiving the highest number of votes elected to the open seat(s). The Village Council elects one of the Council members to serve as the Mayor, and the Mayor serves at the pleasure of the Village Council. There is no term of office for the Mayor. The mayor is a regular voting member of the Council and votes on all matters. The form of administration used in the village is through an administrator and staff who report to the Mayor and Council.