Planning Board Meeting | March 16, 2026

Buncombe County Planning Board Meeting Recap – March 16, 2026

On March 16, 2026, the Buncombe County Planning Board convened to discuss critical updates on flood regulations and initial plans for development in the Swannanoa area. The meeting, attended by board members and open to the public, centered on balancing growth with community safety and environmental protection.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the county's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. After extensive discussion, the Board unanimously approved a draft of these amendments, which will now be presented to the Buncombe County Commissioners in April. These changes aim to clarify permitted uses within flood-prone areas, define key terms related to flood mitigation (like "conveyance shadow" and "letter of map change"), and place restrictions on temporary storage within floodways. This update is crucial for ensuring the county adheres to state and federal regulations, particularly as it relates to flood resilience.

Beyond flood regulation updates, the Planning Board also began reviewing draft vision maps for the Swannanoa Small Area Plan – a key component of Buncombe County's overall planning strategy. Discussions focused on creating a more vibrant and walkable community, particularly around Beacon Village. Key elements of the proposed plan include designating river corridors to limit development in flood-prone areas, establishing a "walkable destination center" at Beacon Village, encouraging neighborhood centers with mixed residential and commercial development, and prioritizing pedestrian safety through potential sidewalk and bike lane improvements along the 70 corridor. The Board acknowledged the importance of proactively addressing potential hazards and creating a more sustainable community in Swannanoa.

During the public comment period, residents voiced concerns about potential connections between debris flows in Lytle Cove and development on steep slopes. DeeDee Stiles urged the Planning Department to investigate these concerns, highlighting a need for careful consideration of environmental impacts. Jeff Dechter shared information about a feasibility study exploring the possibility of a greenway connecting Warren Wilson College to Grothstone, sparking further discussion about community connectivity and recreational opportunities. Board members listened attentively to these comments, recognizing the importance of incorporating community input into planning decisions.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. Planning staff will address ongoing parking challenges by providing board members with placards. Board members are encouraged to sign up for a School of Government training on April 28th. Staff, led by Angela Lee, will continue refining policies and actions related to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The Planning Board itself will review proposed policies and engage in further public outreach following the Commissioner’s consideration of the ordinance. Finally, a steering committee will continue its work on developing detailed policies and actions for the Swannanoa Small Area Plan.

This meeting underscored the Planning Board’s commitment to addressing critical issues facing Buncombe County, particularly regarding flood safety and thoughtful community development. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing efforts by visiting the county’s website and attending future Planning Board meetings.