Planning Board Meeting

Meeting Overview The Buncombe County Planning Board held its regular meeting on February 17, 2025. The primary focus of the session was a detailed presentation on flood regulations and recovery efforts, following the approval of previous meeting minutes. No public comments were recorded during the meeting.

Key Decisions The only formal vote taken during the meeting was the approval of the minutes from the January 20, 2025 meeting. The board did not take any other formal votes or pass resolutions during this session.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by a County Floodplain Manager, one of four certified floodplain managers in the county. The presentation covered the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), noting that Buncombe County has been a member since 1980 and operates as a Cooperating Technical Partner with FEMA. The manager explained the upcoming mapping cycle, where new flood maps are expected in 3-4 years using LiDAR data to update topography and hydrology. Key topics included the distinctions between different flood zones, such as 100-year and 500-year zones, and the difference between floodways (areas that always flood) and fringe areas. The manager emphasized that "no two properties are created equal" when discussing these zones.

The discussion also addressed specific regulatory and construction issues, including requirements for "pre-Firm" structures built before 1980 and examples of resilient construction, such as flood vents and elevated utilities. The manager explained how debris dams and river bends contribute to localized flooding, particularly in areas like Swannanoa. Additionally, the board discussed the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which the county is actively pursuing to assist residents with elevation projects, demolitions, and rebuilds. The potential for Buncombe County to join the Community Rating System (CRS) was raised, which could provide flood insurance premium discounts.

Board members also discussed the impact of state bill SB 382 on tree preservation ordinances, particularly in areas affected by storms. The county’s buyout program was reviewed, including potential future uses of acquired land for green space and flood compensatory storage. The board acknowledged the effective response from federal agencies, including FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers, and discussed the need to consider higher flood standards in future planning, with sensitivity to ongoing recovery efforts.

Follow-ups The Planning Board agreed to continue working with the state on applications for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The board will continue to evaluate options for adopting higher flood standards, considering current recovery efforts and potential impacts. Additionally, the board will explore the possibility of joining the Community Rating System (CRS) and will revisit the Comprehensive Plan to address issues related to flood-prone areas. A presentation from the Tax Department regarding property tax forgiveness for properties damaged in flood events is also planned. The county will continue to coordinate with state and federal agencies for debris removal and long-term flood mitigation efforts.

Impact This meeting provided residents with an overview of the technical aspects of flood mapping and the regulatory framework governing flood zones in Buncombe County. By discussing the upcoming map updates and the differences between floodways and fringe areas, the board highlighted how specific property locations affect flood risk and insurance requirements. The discussions on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Community Rating System outline potential avenues for financial assistance and insurance cost reductions for residents. Furthermore, the review of the Comprehensive Plan and the consideration of higher flood standards indicate that future land use policies may evolve to better account for flood risks and climate change impacts.