Planning Board Meeting
January 27, 2025 at 9:34 AM
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Event Recap
Planning Board Meeting Recap: January 27, 2025 – Long Shoals Road Rezoning and State Legislation Impact
On January 27, 2025, the Buncombe County Planning Board convened a meeting focused primarily on a significant rezoning request and discussions surrounding new state legislation impacting local zoning authority. The meeting, attended by all board members, began with a review of conflict-of-interest protocols and approvals of the agenda and previous meeting minutes. While a public comment period was held, no residents initially signed up to speak.
The most substantial portion of the meeting centered on a request (CPH 2024-00039) to rezone eight parcels along Long Shoals Road from residential (R1 and R2 zoning) to commercial service (CS). These parcels, encompassing 5.7 acres, currently include single-family homes, vacant land, a landscaping business, and an auto repair tire shop. Staff presented their recommendation for approval, citing alignment with the Buncombe County Comprehensive Plan and the area’s designation as a “mixed-use neighborhood.” Applicant representatives argued that the rezoning would foster development, support a more walkable community by bringing commercial options closer to residential areas, and conform with existing CS zoning in the vicinity. Following presentations from both staff and applicants, Kimberly Ramsey, a resident of Long Shoals Road, voiced concerns about community awareness regarding zoning changes and the potential impact on neighboring properties. After discussion, the Planning Board voted to approve the rezoning request.
Beyond the Long Shoals Road matter, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Senate Bill 382 (SB 382). This recently passed state law restricts local governments' ability to downzone properties, and board members expressed considerable concern about the limitations it places on future zoning decisions. Concerns were raised regarding potential legal challenges to the legislation and how it might impact the county's ability to adapt zoning regulations in response to changing community needs. A key point of discussion revolved around sewer requirements, with staff clarifying that there are currently no regulations mandating connection to public sewer lines.
Looking Ahead: The Planning Board has identified several key next steps following this meeting. A presentation on SB 382 and its implications for Buncombe County is planned for a future meeting, allowing board members to better understand the law’s potential impact. Additionally, a presentation on floodplain management is already scheduled for a future date. Kurt offered to share the stip with all board members, which was accepted.
Why This Matters: The approval of the Long Shoals Road rezoning will likely lead to increased commercial development in that corridor, potentially bringing new businesses and services closer to residential areas. However, the discussions surrounding SB 382 highlight a broader shift in how local governments can regulate land use. Residents should be aware that this new state law may significantly impact future zoning decisions and the county’s ability to respond to evolving community needs. The upcoming presentations on SB 382 and floodplain management will provide further opportunities for the Planning Board to address these concerns and inform residents about potential changes.