Board of Adjustment | June 10, 2026 (Afternoon Session)

Buncombe County Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap - June 10, 2026

On June 10, 2026, the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment held a special session to address several variance requests and subdivision cases. This meeting, focused on applying zoning regulations in unique circumstances, provided important decisions impacting property owners and neighborhoods across the county. All Board members were present throughout the proceedings.

Key Decisions & Approvals: The afternoon’s agenda saw unanimous approvals for three key cases. Albert and Savannah Costner received a variance allowing them to build a single-family home and carport on their Grovemont property, despite needing adjustments to front and side setback requirements. Similarly, Oakwood Homes, representing Allen Robinson, secured a variance for constructing a new home at 35 Old Oak Hill Road, addressing challenges posed by a utility easement. Finally, Timmy and Tammy Penley were granted a variance enabling them to subdivide their property on Roundabout Way, allowing for the separation of two existing rental homes. These approvals demonstrate the Board's commitment to finding flexible solutions within established zoning guidelines, particularly when dealing with non-conforming situations.

Discussion Highlights & Community Concerns: A significant portion of the meeting centered on the Trinity View Development Project, a proposed expansion by the Lutheran Retirement Center at 2535 Hendersonville Road. While the Board approved both a Special Use Permit and Planned Unit Development for the project, which would add 23 residential units, a key discussion point arose from Robin McCullough of the Coventry Woods HOA. She requested a continuance to August, citing difficulty gathering evidence related to potential impacts of the development. The Board agreed to continue the case to July, allowing for further discussion with residents and exploration of potential mitigation measures. Warren Sugg from Civil Design Concepts was designated as an expert witness, highlighting the complexity of the project and its potential impact. Throughout all cases, Board members emphasized their role in addressing non-conforming situations and providing flexibility within zoning regulations.

Protecting Applicants from Fraud: Before delving into the case discussions, Board staff issued a crucial alert regarding an increasing number of fraud scams targeting applicants. These scams involve fake invoices and requests for payment via unusual methods like gift cards or wire transfers. The Board strongly cautioned attendees against responding to such requests, emphasizing that Buncombe County will never ask for payment in these forms. Anyone receiving suspicious invoices, particularly those appearing to be AI-generated, was urged to contact the Board directly.

What Happens Next & Why It Matters: Following the meeting, Buncombe County staff will draft official orders reflecting the decisions made in the Costner, Robinson, and Penley cases. Regarding Trinity View, staff will continue to work with the applicant and residents, addressing concerns raised by the Coventry Woods HOA and exploring potential mitigation strategies. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for July to continue the discussion on this project. These decisions impact residents by allowing property owners to adapt their properties to changing needs while ensuring that development aligns with the county's zoning regulations. The fraud awareness initiative is a vital effort to protect applicants from financial harm and maintain the integrity of the application process.

This recap provides a clear overview of the key outcomes from the June 10th Board of Adjustment meeting, highlighting both the decisions made and the ongoing processes that will shape our community.