Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Briefing | March 5, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Briefing Recap: March 5, 2026

On March 5, 2026, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convened a briefing meeting to discuss critical issues facing the county, including financial planning, long-term development strategies, and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. While the meeting experienced a slight delay, commissioners addressed significant topics that will directly impact residents and shape the future of Buncombe County.

A primary focus was on upcoming bond issuances totaling $62 million in Limited Obligation Bonds (LOBS), alongside a previously approved $36 million tranche of General Obligation (GO) bonds. These funds are strategically allocated to benefit both Buncombe County Schools ($44 million) and Asheville City Schools ($12 million), with the remaining $62 million dedicated to county-led projects. County staff assured the Board that, despite bringing the total outstanding debt to $508 million (from a current $363 million), this remains comfortably within the county's established debt capacity limits. Residents should anticipate a "findings resolution" for the 2026 LOBS being considered by the Board on March 17th, followed by a final approval vote on April 21st. These bonds will fund crucial infrastructure and educational improvements across the county.

Beyond finances, a significant portion of the meeting centered on an update to the Buncombe County Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2023. Nate Pennington and Jillian Phillips highlighted the plan's role in guiding future growth and development through zoning regulations, small area planning initiatives (like the ongoing Swananoa plan), and other strategic decisions. The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene prompted a shift in planning priorities, with an increased focus on disaster recovery and updating outdated ordinances to ensure resident safety. A new state law, the North Carolina Disaster Recovery Act, has introduced a complicating factor – a "down zoning" clause requiring written consent from all affected property owners for certain zoning changes. This has prompted the Board to proceed cautiously with any zoning ordinance amendments, prioritizing updates that don't fall under this potentially restrictive legislation. The Board is also actively working on a revised flood ordinance, currently undergoing planning board review, and anticipates a draft of the Swananoa Small Area Plan in July, with opportunities for public input planned for August.

While no zoning map amendments were approved during this meeting, the Board’s previous decision to end mandatory single-family zoning in the Beaver Dam district remains a significant step toward allowing for more diverse housing options within the county. This move aligns with the Comprehensive Plan's goals of creating a more inclusive and accessible community.

What’s Next? Here are the key action items for residents to watch:

• March 17th: Board consideration of the findings resolution for the 2026 LOBS.
• April 21st: Board vote on the issuance resolution for the LOBS.
• Flood Ordinance: A public hearing is scheduled in April to gather community feedback on the proposed revisions.
• Swananoa Small Area Plan: Expect a draft plan in July, with public input opportunities planned for August.
• Ongoing Review: County staff will continue to evaluate and update various ordinances, carefully navigating the complexities of the "down zoning" law.

The Board’s deliberations reflect a commitment to responsible financial management, proactive disaster preparedness, and thoughtful long-term planning for Buncombe County. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing processes and participate in upcoming public hearings and forums to contribute their voices to shaping the future of our community.