Locunity/Buncombe County, NC·Other
Hears zoning appeals, variances and other land use cases.
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Recent updates from Governing Board
After debate over self-created hardship, the board reduced a rear setback from 15 to 0 feet for an occupied Clayton manufactured home.
Why it matters: The case tests whether a contractor's error bars relief when the county had issued a temporary occupancy certificate; denial would displace a family 60-90 days.
Board reduced the minimum lot size for septic from 30,000 to 13,939 square feet for a home already under construction.
Why it matters: The lot was approved assuming sewer service; without relief a partially built home could not be completed after the nearest tap proved roughly 900 yards away.
Residents cited a blind curve crash and omitted Hawthorne Apartments traffic; the applicant's engineer said NCDOT set and approved the study scope.
Why it matters: Neighbors say an unstudied adjacent complex and blind curve raise crash risk; the board deferred to NCDOT's regulatory approval of the traffic study.
Board approved a 312-unit, 13-building apartment PUD off Holbrook Road, including a height deviation to 45 feet 6 inches over dissent on height.
Why it matters: Height deviations above the 35-foot limit are routine for pitched roofs, a member noted the ordinance should define 'typical' and 'aesthetic' rather than case-by-case approval.
Members pressed the developer on cut-through traffic and single exit lane; applicant accepted a sign condition while NCDOT will set final driveway design.
Why it matters: Sweeten Creek is a two-lane road with uncontrolled intersections; the board concluded state roads are outside its authority, leaving safety design to NCDOT permitting.
Board relied on Parkway staff emails and the engineer's stormwater plan, rejecting a resident's request to delay until leaves fall.
Why it matters: The Parkway viewshed is a regional heritage concern; the board said it lacks jurisdiction over federal land and deferred detailed stormwater review to county permitting.
Board clashed with a resident over cross-questioning, then admitted a neighbor's AI-questioned critique only as lay testimony.
Why it matters: How the board handles non-expert testimony and witness questioning shapes whether residents can meaningfully participate in quasi-judicial land-use hearings.
Board granted a special use permit for a 305-unit, nine-building apartment PUD off Sweeten Creek Road, adding a no-through-traffic sign condition.
Why it matters: The project adds significant rental housing beside the Parkway overlay on a corridor residents describe as congested; final road design rests with NCDOT.
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