2023.10.03 Woodfin Planning Board of Adjustment

Woodfin Planning Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap: October 3, 2023

On Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, the Woodfin Planning Board of Adjustment held a meeting focused on two significant requests impacting development within our community. The meeting, attended by all board members, addressed a request from Duke Energy regarding their battery storage facility and another concerning short-term rental extensions proposed by RV Tree LLC. Following standard procedural matters, including roll call and a brief agenda adjustment, the board moved directly into the substantive discussions.

The primary focus of the meeting was Duke Energy's request to extend their Special Use Permit (SUP) for a 30.5 megawatt battery storage facility located at 727 Olivet Road. This facility, designed to bolster grid reliability and meet power demands in the area, currently operates on a parcel near residential areas and open land. Board members engaged in a thorough review of the project, probing Duke Energy representatives on safety protocols, community engagement efforts (including meetings with neighbors), and potential impacts related to the property's steep slopes. After careful consideration, the Board voted unanimously to approve the extension of the SUP for an additional two years. This decision allows Duke Energy to continue operating and refining this vital infrastructure project, while also providing a framework for ongoing monitoring of its impact.

The second major item on the agenda involved RV Tree LLC’s request to extend their SUP for four detached short-term rentals located at 455 and 999 Weaverville Road. This request arose because the original permit was granted in 2021, prior to current town regulations limiting short-term rentals to one per property owner. During the discussion, RV Tree LLC indicated potential future plans for rezoning the property to accommodate a larger development potentially including additional housing and tree houses. The Board considered the current zoning (community shopping, which doesn't permit long-term rentals), the steep slopes present on the property, and the evolving landscape of short-term rental regulations within Woodfin. Ultimately, the Board voted unanimously to approve the extension of this SUP for an additional two years as well.

Throughout both discussions, the Board consistently emphasized the importance of aligning decisions with Woodfin's comprehensive plan and current zoning regulations. They acknowledged that the short-term rental landscape has changed since the original permit was approved, highlighting a potential need for future rezoning considerations if RV Tree LLC proceeds with their larger development plans. While there were no public comments submitted prior to the meeting, residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in future discussions regarding zoning and development within Woodfin.

What's Next?

• Detailed minutes from the October 3rd meeting, along with supporting documentation, will soon be available on the Town of Woodfin website.
• Residents interested in learning more about zoning regulations or upcoming Planning Board meetings are encouraged to contact the Town Clerk's office. This decision regarding Duke Energy and RV Tree LLC will continue to be monitored, and any future rezoning requests or development proposals will be subject to further public review and Board consideration.