Board of Adjustment | April 8, 2026

Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap – April 8, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Adjustment convened on April 8, 2026, to address several development proposals and related concerns. The meeting primarily focused on reviewing site plans, considering requests for standing in ongoing cases, and discussing traffic impacts associated with proposed developments.

Key Decisions & Actions:

The Board unanimously approved (6-0) findings of fact and a special use permit for the Carroll at Sweden Creek development, requiring coordination with the MSD, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NCDOT, and NCDEQ as applicable. The Board approved the meeting minutes from a prior date.

Discussion Highlights:

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the Southern Towers proposal, which seeks to increase the height of a cell tower at 2049 Upper Laurel Drive. The proposal was continued to May 13th pending testimony from an RF engineer, with Mr. McCurry asserting standing based on concerns related to easements for Duke Energy equipment on his abutting property.

The Board also considered a proposal for a 168-unit affordable apartment complex on Silverwood Farm Road. Concerns were raised by Mr. McCurry regarding potential impacts on wells near his property and noise from his tractor-trailer business, prompting requests for protections. The Board clarified that the development would receive water from Weaverville and sewer services from MSD, potentially lessening well impact concerns. Residents expressed concerns about increased traffic, noise, light saturation, potential odor from trash disposal, and the overall impact on their rural lifestyle. The developer indicated a willingness to discuss connecting Mr. McCurry's property to the Weaverville water system, pending feasibility and approval from the Town of Weaverville. A market analysis presented by Mr. Palmer indicated no negative impact on property values due to the proposed development, and confirmed the project is an affordable housing initiative with a potential AMI range of 30-70.

Community Input:

Residents voiced concerns about the timing of development approvals relative to infrastructure readiness (sewer and water lines). A resident requesting standing regarding stormwater issues and clarity on future plans was denied standing, but will be allowed to speak as a witness at next month’s meeting during designated testimony time.

Standing & Legal Matters:

The Board voted 4-3 to grant Mr. McCurry standing in the Blumont Section 1 hearing, acknowledging credible allegations of special damages due to proximity to the development and wells. He will receive Mr. Tuddy’s resume and affidavit for review, and intends to bring an expert witness to the next meeting. A decision on granting standing to Adam Sumier, representing a property trust concerned about stormwater runoff and slope integrity from the proposed 305-unit development, was deferred. The Board will revisit this issue at a subsequent meeting, expecting representation from the trust (either an owner or attorney) to apply for standing and present their case, potentially with legal counsel and a professional engineer.

Follow-Ups:

• Staff will propose and decide on the ordering of cases for the May 13th agenda.
• Staff will verify that the water well impact study is in the record and ensure clarification on stormwater management and the purpose of a Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) from Mr. Tuddy.
• Staff will verify the AMI range stated in the application.