# Planning Board Meeting | March 16, 2026

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — Planning Board
**Date:** March 16, 2026 9:31 AM EDT (2026-03-16T09:31:21-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797

## Summary

**Buncombe County Planning Board Meeting Recap: March 16, 2026**

The Buncombe County Planning Board convened on March 16, 2026, to address land use planning and flood mitigation issues. The agenda included the approval of the February 16, 2026 minutes, a public hearing on amendments to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, and a review of draft vision maps for the Swannanoa Small Area Plan. Staff provided announcements regarding ongoing transitions to a new boardroom, parking placard solutions, and reminders for school government training.

During the general public comment period, Steve Stiles, a resident of Lytle Cove, raised concerns about potential links between recent debris flows and development on steep slopes in the area, urging the Planning Department to investigate. Jeff Dechter, a Swannanoa resident, informed the Board of a funded feasibility study for a greenway connecting Warren Wilson College to Grow Stone, noting its potential connection to the Fonteflora Trail. No specific follow-up actions were explicitly agreed to by board members or staff in response to these comments during the recorded proceedings.

The primary decision of the meeting was the unanimous approval and adoption of the proposed text amendment to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (ZPH2026-00002). Angela Lee, the Flood Plan Administrator, presented the changes, which clarify uses within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The amendment adds definitions for terms such as "Conveyance Shadow," "Letter of Map Change," "Repetitive Loss," and "Substantial Improvement." It explicitly prohibits new travel trailers, RV parks, and temporary storage of floatable materials or junked vehicles in floodways and non-encroachment areas. During the public hearing, a resident named Dee expressed concerns about the impact of fill on river flow; Angela Lee clarified that fill is prohibited in floodways and that existing uses are grandfathered in. The approved amendment will be forwarded to the Buncombe County Commissioners for final approval next month.

The Board also reviewed draft vision maps for the Swannanoa Small Area Plan, which incorporate public input gathered during design workshops in late 2025 and early 2026. The Future Land Use Plan Map proposes two new designations: a "River Corridor" to limit development in flood-prone areas and prioritize habitat and recreation, and "Neighborhood Centers" for increased density and mixed-use development, including areas near Warren Wilson College. The Transportation Plan Map outlines conceptual priorities for sidewalks, bike lanes, and greenway connections, as well as multimodal safety improvements such as speed limit reductions on US 70. These maps are intended to guide grant applications and advocacy for state improvements rather than serving as construction schedules.

The Swannanoa Small Area Plan is currently in the review phase. The Steering Committee will work on policies and actions in April 2026, with public engagement scheduled for May 2026. The plan is expected to return to the Planning Board in June 2026 for further review of policies and actions. This ongoing process aims to balance development with flood resilience and aligns with state and federal guidelines, including those from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

## Agenda

- [Planning Minute Approvals:](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797/item/24074)
- [2-16-2026 Minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797/item/25575)
- [General Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797/item/24075)
- [PUBLIC HEARING ZPH2026-00002 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Text Amendment:](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797/item/24076)
- [Staff Presentation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797/item/25576)
- [Public Hearing](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797/item/25577)
- [Planning Board Discussion](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797/item/25578)
- [Motion for Recommendation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797/item/25579)
- [Swannanoa Small Area Plan: Planning Board Review of Draft Vision Maps](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797/item/24077)

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjaxdHR6W4Q
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1296/segments

## Documents

- [supporting_2026-03-16.pptx](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797?document=15013)
- [agenda_packet_2026-03-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1797?document=15012)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjaxdHR6W4Q)