Planning & Zoning Commission – June 6, 2024

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Recap – June 6, 2024

The Asheville Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) convened on June 6, 2024, to address a range of development and land use matters impacting the city. The meeting, attended by all Commissioners (Wheatley, Fairclough, Greiner, and Barton), covered procedural updates, committee reports, rule revisions, elections, and two significant rezoning requests that will shape Asheville’s future.

A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to two key rezoning requests. First, the Commission unanimously approved a conditional zoning request for Acton Hill (172 Moody Avenue), a 42.65-acre property currently zoned Highway Business and Residential Multifamily Low Density. The developer, Acton Woods LLC, proposes a large-scale mixed-use development including 350 residential units, a grocery store, and future commercial space. While city staff did not recommend approval due to concerns about reducing land use diversity, the Commission ultimately approved the conditional zoning with stipulations. These conditions include ensuring crosswalks are reflected in future site plans, staff review of any subsequent development on remaining lots to ensure compliance with commercial expansion standards, and a five-year validity period for the conditional zoning. This decision signifies a potential shift towards more mixed-use development in the western part of Asheville, with planned improvements like sidewalks, walking paths, and a dog park.

The second rezoning request, concerning 28 Roberts Street (currently zoned River Arts District Neighborhood Transition – RAD-NT), was met with a different outcome. The applicant sought to rezone the property to Residential Multifamily Medium Density (RM8). City staff again recommended against approval, emphasizing that the change would undermine the RAD-NT zoning's goal of maintaining land use diversity and key design elements. Following discussion about neighborhood character and potential conflicts, the Commission unanimously voted to deny the rezoning request, reaffirming the importance of preserving the unique character of the River Arts District.

Beyond these major decisions, the meeting included several important procedural items and committee updates. The Commission approved revisions to their rules and procedures, clarifying voting processes and expanding the scope of the Board of Adjustment. Jeffrey Barton was re-elected as Chair, and Commissioner Greiner secured the role of Vice-Chair. Updates were also provided from various committees, including discussions on residential parking requirements along transit corridors (reported by Commissioner Wheatley from the Multimodal Transportation Commission) and ongoing efforts to address affordable housing challenges (reported by Commissioner Fairclough from the Housing Work Group). Several other items, including a request for a Special Use Permit and an amendment to Conditional Zoning, were continued to the July 11th meeting.

What’s Next?

The approved Acton Hill conditional zoning will now move forward, with the developer responsible for adhering to the stipulated conditions. Residents interested in learning more about this project or future developments should visit the City of Asheville Planning & Zoning Department website (https://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/planning-and-zoning). The next P&Z Commission meeting is scheduled for July 11th, where the continued items from June 6th will be addressed. Citizens can find agendas and minutes for all meetings on the P&Z Commission webpage (https://www.ashevillenc.gov/pzcommission).