Board of Adjustment (In-Person) (Jun 22, 2026)

Recap of the June 22, 2026 Board of Adjustment Meeting

The Asheville Board of Adjustment held an in-person meeting on June 22, 2026, focusing primarily on a request from Laura Hudson regarding repairs to a historic structure located at 9 All Souls Crescent. The meeting, which began promptly at 2:00 p.m., was attended by Board members Mike Luciano, Bruce Johnson, Jeremy Plemons, John Michael Cletus, and Suzanne Godsey.

Key Decision: Flood Variance Approved for Historic Structure Repair

The most significant outcome of the meeting was the unanimous approval (5-0) of Laura Hudson’s request for a flood variance. Ms. Hudson sought an exemption from strict compliance with city flood ordinances, which typically require elevation or flood protection measures exceeding two feet above the base flood elevation when repair costs surpass 50% of a building’s value. The Board determined that applying these rules rigidly would create an unnecessary hardship given the property's unique characteristics – its historic designation, location within a floodplain (though "just barely"), and specific topography. Staff confirmed the property's situation through submission of a flood elevation certificate.

Discussion Highlights: Balancing Preservation and Flood Safety

The discussion centered on how to balance the need for flood safety with the preservation of a historic structure. Board members engaged in thoughtful consideration, exploring whether strict adherence to flood ordinances would unduly burden Ms. Hudson while preserving the integrity of her property. Nancy Wofford, a staff member present at the meeting, provided detailed information on variance requirements and explained Ms. Hudson’s request, including repair costs and building valuation. While some lighthearted banter occurred among board members regarding the meeting's duration, the overall tone was focused and professional.

Community Input: No Public Comments Received

There were no members of the public present to offer comments or testimony regarding Ms. Hudson’s request, so the public comment portion of the meeting was closed without discussion.

Action Items & Next Steps: Conditions for Variance Approval and Future Meetings

The Board approved the variance with specific conditions that Ms. Hudson must fulfill, including:

• Developing a two-party tenant owner-son flood action plan for pre-storm preparation.
• Elevating and flood protecting the HVAC system two feet above base flood elevation (BFE) or to the maximum extent practicable while maintaining historic status.

These conditions will ensure that flood safety measures are incorporated into the repair process, even with the variance. The next Board of Adjustment meeting is scheduled for July 27th (Monday) and promises a longer agenda with multiple variance requests and rehearing requests.

Why This Matters to Residents:

This decision highlights the Board of Adjustment’s role in navigating complex situations where historic preservation and flood safety intersect. It demonstrates a commitment to finding solutions that respect both the city's regulations and the unique challenges faced by property owners with historic structures within flood-prone areas. This outcome sets a precedent for future cases involving similar considerations, ensuring that the Board continues to balance these competing priorities in a fair and thoughtful manner.