Board of Adjustment 5/23/24

Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap: May 23, 2024

The Board of Adjustment held a meeting on May 23, 2024, primarily focused on reviewing and approving pending requests related to property development. The meeting also marked a significant change for the Board with the introduction of new legal counsel. All members were present, and the meeting proceeded smoothly with unanimous votes on key items. This recap will outline the main decisions made, highlight discussions, and clarify what actions residents can expect moving forward.

The Board's agenda centered around two specific requests: Variance Request VA-2024-01 and Special Use Permit SUP-2024-01, both submitted by property owners Richard Giles and Richard Jones. Both requests pertain to a property located approximately 400 feet north of the intersection of Assembly Circle and Kentucky Road. The variance request sought to reduce the required front setback for a dwelling unit, while the special use permit aimed to allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) exceeding the standard height restriction of 10 feet. Following discussion, the Board unanimously approved both requests, meaning that Mr. Giles and Mr. Jones are cleared to proceed with their respective development plans as proposed.

A notable portion of the meeting was dedicated to welcoming Brandon Freeman from Allen Stahl and Kilbourne as the Board’s new legal counsel. Mr. Freeman shared his experience, particularly with the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment, and emphasized that his role is to provide legal support and guidance to the Board, rather than direct its decisions. The discussion also touched upon ensuring Mr. Freeman’s availability to address legal questions during hearings and the possibility of future training sessions for Board members on quasi-judicial proceedings.

There were no public comments or community input received during this meeting, meaning residents did not directly address the Board regarding these specific requests. However, the decisions made will impact property development in that area of Assembly Circle and Kentucky Road.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified following the meeting. Town Clerk Kayla will explore scheduling refresher training sessions on quasi-judicial proceedings for Board members to ensure they are well-equipped to handle future cases. Additionally, Caleb was directed to contact Savannah regarding a matter pertaining to Wind Lithia. Finally, Brandon Freeman will serve as the primary legal counsel for the Board of Adjustment, with support from other attorneys at Allen Stahl and Kilbourne as needed. Residents can expect to see these actions unfold in the coming weeks, further supporting the Board’s ability to fairly and effectively address future requests.