Planning & Zoning Commission – July 11, 2024

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Recap – July 11, 2024

The Asheville Planning & Zoning Commission convened on July 11, 2024, to address a range of development and planning matters impacting the city. The meeting was called to order by Chair Jeffrey Barton, with a quorum established despite the absence of Vice-Chair Greiner. The meeting began with a land acknowledgement, recognizing the historical and ongoing contributions of Cherokee people and other marginalized communities to the area. Technical difficulties were briefly addressed at the start, but did not significantly disrupt proceedings.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to quasi-judicial hearings, with two major items taking center stage. First, the Commission unanimously approved a special use permit for Duke Energy to construct a 195-foot microwave communication tower and shelter at 555 Brevard Road. This approval included all requested technical modifications, including exemptions from co-location and property line buffer requirements, as well as an exemption from the height limit. Testimony from Duke Energy representatives and a real estate appraiser supported the need for the tower to support emergency communication and smart grid functionality, while addressing concerns about potential impacts on property values. While no public comment was received during this hearing, staff will provide photos from a balloon test conducted to assess the visual impact.

The second major hearing concerned a proposed amendment to the conditional zoning for properties at 179 and 144 Riverside Drive. This amendment would significantly alter the existing development plan, increasing the number of residential units from 160 to 240, raising building height to 78 feet (with an additional six-foot parapet), increasing the number of stories to seven, eliminating commercial space, and adding parking spaces. Commissioners engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the potential impact of these changes on surrounding neighborhoods, particularly concerning parking and visual harmony. Commissioner Wheatley presented a thorough analysis of state law (2021-180) regarding conditional zoning, questioning the necessity for Design Review Committee (DRC) involvement given the state statute. A vote on this amendment was deferred, and is expected to be taken at a future meeting.

Beyond the quasi-judicial hearings, the Commission addressed several administrative matters. Minutes from the June 6th meeting were approved unanimously. Committee updates highlighted ongoing work related to multimodal transportation (focusing on integrating transit and sidewalks), stormwater review, and housing initiatives. The Affordable Housing Plan is slated for presentation at the next meeting, reflecting continued efforts to balance housing incentives with anti-displacement concerns. A discussion was initiated regarding the potential for including land acknowledgements on the commission’s website, demonstrating a commitment to recognizing and honoring the historical context of the land.

What's Next?

• The Commission will continue discussions and ultimately vote on the Riverside Drive conditional zoning amendment at their next meeting.
• The presentation of proposed UDO updates, previously postponed, will be scheduled for a future meeting.
• Residents can stay informed by reviewing the official minutes and supporting documents, which will be available on the City of Asheville website: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/planning-and-zoning.
• Check the City of Asheville calendar for upcoming Planning & Zoning Commission meetings to stay engaged in these important planning decisions.

This meeting underscored the ongoing efforts of the Planning & Zoning Commission to balance development needs with community concerns, navigating complex legal frameworks and considering the impact of proposed projects on Asheville's character and livability.