Planning Board Meeting | Dec. 15, 2025

Planning Board Meeting Recap: December 15, 2025 – Shaping Buncombe County's Future

On December 15, 2025, the Buncombe County Planning Board convened to discuss critical issues impacting our community’s planning and development. The meeting, attended by all board members, centered on refining flood ordinances, addressing community concerns, and outlining future planning initiatives. This recap provides a clear overview of the discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents to stay informed.

The primary focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review of proposed revisions to Buncombe County’s flood ordinance (ZPH 2025-00042). Presented by Floodplain Administrator Angela Lee, the proposed changes aim to strengthen our county's resilience against flooding and potentially lower flood insurance premiums for residents through participation in the Community Rating System (CRS). Key proposed updates include clarifying construction restrictions within floodways ("conveyance shadow" limitations), establishing a clear definition of "repetitive loss" properties (those with frequent flood claims), ensuring higher standards for land removed from the flood hazard area, and requiring emergency action plans for temporary structures within floodways. Board members engaged in a detailed discussion emphasizing the importance of life safety and aligning with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements, particularly regarding prohibiting habitable structures within floodways. While no formal vote occurred during this session, the board expressed strong support for moving forward with these revisions.

Beyond the flood ordinance discussion, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment. DeeDee Stiles voiced concerns about the current ordinance's inadequacy in addressing runoff from pavement and steep slopes, highlighting a specific instance of river obstruction. Jeffrey Dector broadened the discussion beyond flooding, advocating for improved street lighting in Swannanoa, measures to support local businesses (such as better parking and lighting), and clarification on the county's approach to multi-use buildings. These comments underscored a desire for broader improvements within the community, demonstrating citizen engagement in shaping Buncombe County’s future.

The Planning Board did take formal action on a few items. The agenda was unanimously approved, and the minutes from the November 17th meeting were approved after a brief discussion to clarify who made specific motions. This ensured accurate record-keeping and transparency in the board's proceedings.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. The Board will continue its discussion of the flood ordinance revisions at a future meeting, culminating in a scheduled public hearing where residents can formally provide input. Additionally, the board will address updates to the county’s E911 addressing ordinance and revisit the lighting ordinance at a later date, prioritizing flood-related matters in the interim.

This meeting highlighted the Planning Board's commitment to proactive planning and addressing community concerns. The proposed flood ordinance revisions represent a significant step towards enhancing our county’s resilience and potentially benefiting residents through lower insurance costs. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the Buncombe County Planning Department website for updates and agendas, and consider attending future meetings to actively participate in shaping our community’s development.