Locunity/Asheville, NC·Planning Commission
Advises on zoning, plans and development applications.
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Commissioners argued council has not asked for a pause on interim zoning changes, while staff said resources should go to the UDO, and the commission voted to request council direction.
Why it matters: The dispute decides whether Asheville pursues near-term lot size, width and setback reductions for housing during the roughly 30-month UDO rewrite.
Planner Vaidila Satvika said about 81% of RS-2 acreage faces steep slope, flood or Blue Ridge Parkway limits, and revised parcel counts differ from the earlier HCD presentation.
Why it matters: The analysis underpins staff's view that RS-2 is a poor place to start adding density, but commissioners questioned its consistency and its relevance to lot-size standards.
Departing chair Geoffrey Barton nominated Vice-Chair Jason Seichel, who was elected by voice vote; Lindsay Broughel was then elected vice chair.
Why it matters: Barton's term ends in August, and new leadership aims to provide continuity as the commission steers the UDO rewrite.
Stormwater supervisor Nancy Watford outlined how erosion, stormwater and floodplain reviews fit the conditional zoning process and told commissioners local rules require two feet above base flood elevation.
Why it matters: Pending state flood maps and the UDO rewrite could change standards after Tropical Storm Helene, and staff advise projects to build higher than the regulatory minimum.
Staff said the consultant is under contract and asked the commission to act as steering committee for the multi-year comprehensive plan and development code rewrite, with meeting format still open.
Why it matters: The role would add meetings and early-stage input to the commission's duties, and staff's section-by-section review approach affects how Asheville's new code is adopted.
Staff reported council approvals of Costco, a Shiloh townhome rezoning and a London Road amendment, and said the PZC report and anti-displacement tool would be scheduled later.
Why it matters: Timing the commission's draft policy report for December lets a new council receive a final, voted product.
The commission continued the Drury conditional rezoning at 2 Hendersonville Road to December 2 after the applicant's attorney cited substantive changes made after the staff report.
Why it matters: The delay gives staff time to evaluate the applicant's revisions before the commission considers the River District to Commercial Expansion rezoning.
Commissioners debated priorities for the draft annual report, favoring flood protection and anti-displacement as top 'protection' recommendations ahead of development regulation items.
Why it matters: The report goes to City Council, and commissioners want flood and displacement action before the UDO rewrite while staff warn of capacity limits.
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Planning Commission Asks Council to Settle Fight Over Interim Zoning Changes Asheville's Planning and Zoning Commission spent more than 90 minutes on Nov. 4, 2026, debating whether the city should loosen lot-size rules...
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Flood Fears Shadow 252-Unit London Road Approval as Costco Advances Asheville's Planning and Zoning Commission spent most of its Oct. 7, 2026, meeting asking whether the city's building rules have caught up with Hurrica...
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Commissioners Defy Staff to Push Lot-Size Reform; Habitat Homes Advance Asheville's Planning and Zoning Commission overrode staff objections on Sept. 2, 2026, to hold an unscheduled debate on shrinking minimum lot sizes...
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