The Village of Sugar Mountain

03/28/2026

BURN BAN in EFFECT
6PM- 3/28/26

Due to increased fire risk, the North Carolina Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective at 6 p.m. Saturday March 28, 2026 until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to the extinguishment of the fire.

The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.

Avery County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a local burning ban effective at 6 p.m. Saturday March 28, 2026. This ban will be in effect until further notice. This ban applies to any open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Campfires and fire pits are included in this ban and are not exempt.

Paul Buchanan
Avery County
Fire Marshal
828-733-8210
[email protected]
Avery County Fire Marshal

03/27/2026

🔥⚠️IMPORTANT NOTICE⚠️🔥

Avery County Government & Fire Marshal’s Office
Public Safety Advisory – Outdoor Burning

At this time, Avery County is not currently under a burn ban. However, due to elevated fire danger conditions, residents are strongly advised to avoid all outdoor burning until conditions improve.

Beginning tomorrow, our area is forecasted to reach Readiness Plan Level 4 (RP-4). This is a high-level fire danger rating used by the North Carolina Forest Service indicating a significant risk of wildfire. Under RP-4 conditions, fires can spread rapidly and typically require increased staffing and additional resources for every woods fire response. As a result, open burning is strongly discouraged during this time.

While some rainfall is expected overnight, it is not anticipated to be sufficient to significantly reduce fire risk.

For clarification:
• A State-issued burn ban restricts burning in areas 100 feet and beyond an occupiable structure.
• A County-issued burn ban applies to the area from an occupiable structure out to 100 feet.

Avery County remains in close coordination with state officials. If the State of North Carolina issues a burn ban, Avery County will immediately follow suit and implement the same restrictions locally.

We urge all residents to use caution and prioritize safety during this period of increased fire risk.

For updates and additional information, please continue to monitor official Avery County Government communication channels.

03/10/2026

The Sugar Mountain Public Golf Course opens all 18 holes on April 17th! ⛳

Plan your visit:
https://seesugar.com/golf/

01/21/2026

Village of Sugar Mountain – Emergency Alert

A severe winter storm is expected this weekend and may be historic and crippling. Public Works will operate 24/7 with all available equipment; however, roads will remain snow-covered for an extended period due to extreme cold.

The Chain Law is in full effect. Vehicles must have tire chains, 4-wheel drive, or studded snow tires.

Snow will be pushed to the sides of roadways, which may partially block driveway entrances. Once roads are safely passable, crews will return to pull back driveway entrances, anticipated mid-week. Private driveways will not be fully cleared.

Travel during the storm is strongly discouraged. If travel is necessary, yield to snowplows and use extreme caution. Trash pickup is expected to be delayed until Tuesday. Condominium complexes must clear access to trash houses, and homeowners must clear a path to trash bins prior to collection. Residents should prepare to remain at home for several days.

Sugar Mountain Public Works is working continuously to keep conditions as safe as possible.

Stay safe and be prepared.

Send a message to learn more

01/21/2026

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through the mountains of Western North Carolina, unleashing devastating floods that reshaped both the landscape and the lives of those who call it home. Rivers surged beyond their banks, roads crumbled, homes were lost, and entire communities were left reeling.

But this is not just a story of destruction. It is a story of what came next.

Rising Above Helene is a documentary about the strength of people and community. Through heartfelt interviews, sweeping visuals, and on-the-ground storytelling, the film captures the quiet determination of neighbors who came together to rebuild what was broken. Across the counties of Western North Carolina, we see the resilience that defines these mountain communities.

Local governments played a key role in the recovery, helping to coordinate emergency response and support long-term rebuilding. Their efforts, alongside those of countless volunteers and community members, helped lay the foundation for renewal and hope.

This film is a tribute to the spirit of Western North Carolina, a region where the rivers may rise but the people rise higher.

🚨- EVENT!
Check out the info below for a screening of Rising Above Helene.
Thursday, January 22nd
6pm-8pm @ the Ag Center.

01/21/2026

⚠️ Potential Severe Winter Weather This Weekend ⚠️
Avery County has the potential to experience severe winter weather this weekend. With ski season underway, we expect a large number of visitors who may not be familiar with mountain winter conditions.
🏠 Important message for property owners & hosts
If you own or manage an Airbnb, VRBO, or other rental property, please notify your guests arriving this weekend to come prepared.
We strongly encourage visitors to:
✔️ Bring extra food and medications
✔️ Be prepared for possible power outages
✔️ Have a full tank of fuel
✔️ Travel with 4-wheel drive or appropriate winter-ready vehicles
✔️ Pack warm clothing, blankets, and emergency supplies
🚗 Mountain roads can become hazardous quickly, and conditions may change rapidly during winter weather events.
📢 Sharing this information with your guests before they arrive can help prevent emergencies and keep everyone safe.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
Please stay weather-aware and prepared.
— Avery County Emergency Management

01/20/2026

With the predicted winter weath ahead, its a good idea to be planning now!
Are you prepared for a winter storm? If the forecast calls for winter weather, begin preparing NOW. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Link: weather.gov/safety/winter-before


Thanks US National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC

01/08/2026

🚧 Paving Notice – January 8–9, 2026 🚧

Residents and visitors of Sugar Mountain, heads up. Paving work is happening today and tomorrow (January 8–9) on the following roads:

• Mossy Creek Road
• Slope View Road
• Briarcliff Road

Please expect possible traffic delays, temporary closures, and limited access in these areas. If you’re traveling through, use caution and follow posted signs and crew directions.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete these improvements.

Send a message to learn more

01/06/2026

Interested in serving the Sugar Mountain community?
The Sugar Mountain Police Department is currently hiring and looking for dedicated individuals to join the team.

Find full job details and application information at the link: https://seesugar.com/village/administration/employment/

12/23/2025

12/18/2025

🌄 Drone Use Reminder 🚁

We know our village offers incredible views and beautiful weather that make capturing photos and videos tempting! To help protect residents’ privacy and ensure everyone’s safety, please remember that all drone use requires a permit before flying.

Before launching a drone:

✅ You must obtain a drone permit

✅ You must have written permission from the current property owner

📸 You may only capture images or video of the property you have permission to film

Please also be aware that, under § 90.45 – Unmanned Aircraft Systems:

🚫 Drones and model aircraft may not be launched, recovered, or operated on village-owned property without specific written permission from the Village Manager or designee

🚫 Drone use is prohibited in public vehicular areas, common areas of townhomes, apartments, or condominiums, and on multi-family properties

✈️ All approved drone operations must comply with FAA and state regulations

These rules help balance enjoyment of our beautiful surroundings with respect for privacy, safety, and community standards. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep our village a great place for everyone!

For questions about permits or permissions, please contact the Village office.

Send a message to learn more