PBOA December 2 Meeting

Woodfin Planning Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap – December 2, 2025

The Town of Woodfin Planning Board of Adjustment convened on December 2, 2025, with all board members present. The meeting focused primarily on reviewing ongoing planning initiatives and addressing a specific request from a local property owner, demonstrating the board's commitment to shaping Woodfin’s future development. The meeting was conducted efficiently, with a focus on key priorities and clear decision-making.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a variance request from Dario Diaz concerning his property at 48 Gosnell Road. Mr. Diaz sought a reduction in the required rear setback from 30 feet to 22 feet. After discussion regarding the property’s location near a Duke Power line and its residential context, the board unanimously approved the variance request. However, approval was contingent on maintaining one-story construction on the property, ensuring consistency with neighborhood character. The board also unanimously approved Buncombe County’s Helene Recovery Plan, a crucial document outlining projects aimed at improving disaster preparedness and recovery across the county, including within Woodfin. This plan will guide development decisions moving forward, particularly in light of potential future challenges.

Beyond these specific items, the board engaged in discussions regarding two broader planning initiatives. Chad Meadows from Code Right provided an update on the ongoing Land Development Ordinance (LDO) project, a major undertaking to modernize Woodfin's zoning regulations. Meadows highlighted the impact of recent changes in state law (House Bill 765) on local zoning authority, emphasizing the need for adjustments to planning processes. The board identified key themes for improvement within the LDO, focusing on stakeholder engagement and a thorough review of draft documents. Finally, the board briefly reviewed their upcoming calendar for next year, planning a more detailed review during their January meeting.

There were no public comments or speakers present at this meeting, meaning there was no direct community input during the proceedings. However, the board acknowledged the importance of balancing development with environmental considerations and community needs – a key concern for residents in Woodfin's mountain town setting.

Looking ahead, several action items were assigned to ensure continued progress on these initiatives. Town staff will send out individual calendar invites for each board meeting and resend the calendar to all members. Chad Meadows will continue his work on the LDO project, focusing on completing a code diagnosis and preparing an annotated outline for board review. Board members are encouraged to review the LDO documents as they become available and prepare for future discussions on this important update. The next meeting is scheduled for January, where the board will delve deeper into their annual calendar and continue to monitor progress on the LDO project.