Planning & Economic Development – July 8, 2024

Planning & Economic Development Committee Meeting Recap – July 8, 2024

On July 8, 2024, the Planning & Economic Development Committee convened a remote meeting focused primarily on a strategy to modernize Asheville’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) – the comprehensive set of rules governing how development occurs within our city. This meeting, attended by members of the Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee, provided an important update on efforts to address Asheville’s housing challenges and ensure a more equitable and resilient community.

The core of the meeting centered on a proposed plan for updating the UDO, rather than undertaking a complete overhaul. Recognizing that a full rewrite would be resource-intensive, the committee opted for a targeted approach focusing initially on residential development. The primary goal is to align the UDO with Asheville's broader plans, such as "Living Asheville," and prioritize solutions to our city’s housing needs. Discussions emphasized the importance of creating a more predictable development process, encouraging diverse housing options, and ensuring that any changes contribute to equitable housing access and neighborhood resilience. A key theme throughout the discussion was a commitment to incorporating perspectives from advisory boards like the Planning and Zoning Commission, ensuring an inclusive process.

A significant portion of the debate revolved around parking requirements. The committee seriously considered removing minimum parking requirements for residential developments citywide, a change that could offer developers greater flexibility and potentially lower construction costs. Another point of discussion involved adjusting the thresholds for when new developments require a more detailed review by City Council. Currently, projects with 50 or more units trigger this process; the proposed adjustment would refine these thresholds for single-family homes and focus on gross square footage for attached residential units, potentially streamlining the review process. The committee also explored options for an anti-displacement overlay to protect vulnerable residents during development, and how incentives could be used to encourage developers to include affordable housing units in new projects.

During the public comment period, two residents shared their perspectives. One praised the committee's efforts to streamline development and remove barriers to housing construction, while the other voiced concerns about ensuring affordability and emphasized the need for incentives. These comments highlighted a common theme: while streamlining development is desirable, it must be balanced with a commitment to affordability and community well-being.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. City staff will now develop a detailed schedule and priorities for the UDO update, with initial efforts expected to begin in late summer/early fall. They will also collaborate closely with advisory boards and gather data on past development projects to assess the potential impact of proposed changes, particularly regarding affordability. Regular updates will be presented to City Council in "bundles" of amendments for review and feedback, ensuring ongoing transparency. Finally, staff will investigate options for an anti-displacement overlay to safeguard vulnerable residents during development.

This meeting represents a crucial step in Asheville’s ongoing efforts to modernize its development regulations and address the critical need for more housing options. The committee’s focus on collaboration, equitable outcomes, and a streamlined process signals a commitment to creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community for all residents. Citizens can expect further updates as the UDO update progresses throughout the coming months.