Board of Adjustment Meeting | Nov. 12, 2025

Buckham County Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap – November 12, 2025

The Buckham County Board of Adjustment convened on November 12, 2025, primarily to consider a significant request from the Biltmore Company concerning their Market Gardener’s Cottage. This historic cottage, located within a designated flood zone and significantly damaged by Hurricane Helene, is at the heart of a variance request that garnered considerable discussion and ultimately resulted in a unanimous decision. The meeting included presentations from Biltmore representatives, expert testimony, and careful deliberation by the Board members.

The core of the meeting revolved around Biltmore’s request for a variance from current flood ordinance regulations. The company seeks permission to repair and rehabilitate the Market Gardener’s Cottage without fully complying with all existing flood regulations, particularly those pertaining to elevation requirements for the structure and placement of interior utilities. A key factor in this request is the cottage’s designation as a National Historic Landmark, and experts emphasized that strict adherence to current flood regulations could compromise its historic integrity. Architectural historian Heather Fernbach detailed the cottage's importance to preserving Biltmore Estate’s legacy, while engineer Edward Medlock presented a plan designed to minimize flood risk while maintaining the cottage’s historic appearance. Floodplain management expert Andrew Bick reassured the Board that the variance would not increase flood levels and highlighted Biltmore’s robust emergency preparedness procedures.

Throughout the discussion, Board members raised concerns regarding potential impacts on sedimentation in the river. Experts addressed these concerns, confirming that the proposed project would not negatively affect water quality or flow. The Board also considered Biltmore's commitment to safety, with Landon Cox (LDG Development Manager) outlining the company’s dedication to affordable housing and aligning the project with community needs. A notable point of discussion centered on balancing flood safety requirements with preserving a significant piece of local history, ultimately leading to a consensus that the unique circumstances warranted careful consideration.

Following extensive deliberation, the Board unanimously approved Biltmore’s variance request. This decision is contingent upon specific conditions outlined by planning staff, including maximizing utility elevation and ensuring exterior equipment remains securely anchored. Importantly, the project as a whole will also deliver 170 affordable housing units for households earning between 30% and 70% of the area median income, a benefit acknowledged by the Board as contributing positively to community needs.

Looking ahead, planning staff will now draft a formal order reflecting the Board's decision and associated conditions. The Board emphasized that this was an exceptional case, driven by the cottage’s historic significance and the unusual circumstances created by Hurricane Helene. Residents can expect to see progress on repairs and rehabilitation of the Market Gardener’s Cottage, a project that balances preservation efforts with ongoing safety considerations. This outcome demonstrates the Board's commitment to navigating complex situations that involve both historical preservation and public safety.