Planning and Zoning Commission (In-Person) (Feb 4, 2026)

The City of Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission held an in-person meeting on February 4, 2026, to address several zoning requests and administrative matters. The agenda included the continuation of a conditional zoning request for a major retail development, the review of two residential development proposals, and updates on the city’s long-term planning processes.

The commission’s primary action on the major retail proposal was to continue the request to amend the conditional zoning for the properties located at 264 & 274 Enka Heritage Parkway. The applicant requested an extension due to ongoing design modifications and coordination with city staff and other agencies. The commission voted 7-0 to continue the item to April 1, 2026. During the discussion, commissioners expressed support for the project but emphasized a desire to move forward and avoid further continuances. Staff indicated they would explore options for streamlining the process to avoid future delays and would share a library of past studies relevant to the project.

The commission also voted to approve two residential development proposals. For the property at 383 N. Louisiana Avenue, the commission voted 7-0 to approve the request to conditionally rezone the land, allowing for a 4-5 story, 89-unit apartment building. The project is 100% affordable, with units targeted at households earning up to 80% of the area median income. The approval included a condition that Condition #4 of the Exhibit E - Project Conditions be revised to specify a range of 104 to 128 off-street parking spaces. Additionally, the commission voted 7-0 to approve the request to conditionally rezone the property at 230 Sardis Road for a multi-family development, with the condition that the sidewalk on Sardis Road be a minimum of 5 feet wide.

In administrative matters, the commission voted 7-0 to approve the minutes from the January 7, 2026 meeting. The commission also voted 7-0 to approve the updated Rules of Procedure for the commission. During the update from committee liaisons and workgroups, the commission discussed the ongoing Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update process. Commissioners agreed to add updates on this work as a regular agenda item to keep the public informed. Additionally, Commissioner Brenton Faircloth expressed interest in informally analyzing crash data related to Vision Zero goals and offered to lead that effort, with staff agreeing to compile the relevant data for review.

Regarding follow-ups, staff agreed to compile Vision Zero crash data for Commissioner Faircloth’s review. Staff also agreed to share the document of prioritized planning changes identified during a recent commission retreat and to incorporate it into future discussions related to the Comprehensive Plan and UDO updates. For the 383 N. Louisiana Avenue project, the City Transportation Department will explore widening sidewalks along North Louisiana Avenue and Hazel Mill. The developer for that project will record a Declaration of Restrictions outlining the affordability terms. Staff also noted a need to conduct a more holistic analysis of remaining industrial land in the city given the shift towards residential uses.

The public was notified that a related appeal regarding the Enka Heritage Parkway project will be heard by the Board of Adjustment on February 23, 2026. The next opportunity for the public to learn more about the Enka Heritage Parkway project and provide input will be at the April 1, 2026 meeting.