LIVE @ Asheville's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) 11/01/18

Asheville's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting Recap: Exploring Solutions for a Changing City (November 1, 2018)

On November 1, 2018, Asheville’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) convened to discuss ongoing efforts and potential changes aimed at addressing the city’s critical need for more affordable housing options. The meeting, attended by committee members and relevant city staff, centered on evaluating the impact of recent zoning changes and exploring broader policy adjustments to encourage development that benefits all Asheville residents.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the impact of the "small-scale residential infill" zoning changes implemented a year prior. The committee reported encouraging results, noting that approximately 130 new lots have been created utilizing these revised regulations. Recognizing the need for continued progress, they are preparing a report for the City Council's Planning and Economic Development Committee (PED) on November 12th, focusing on strategies to further incentivize infill development. These strategies include addressing infrastructure concerns (sidewalks and right-of-ways), improving urban design standards for new developments, and actively marketing the zoning changes to developers and residents.

Beyond infill development, the AHAC engaged in a broader exploration of potential zoning reforms as part of the city's comprehensive plan review. Key topics included simplifying Asheville’s complex zoning districts, allowing for a wider variety of housing types across neighborhoods, and critically examining parking requirements. A lively debate centered on whether reducing or eliminating mandatory parking for new developments could lower housing costs, a point supported by some research. The committee also questioned whether current tree save and open space standards unintentionally hinder development in urban areas, and considered updating the flag lot policy to allow for more subdivisions. A recurring challenge identified was the extensive backlog of unopened right-of-ways (over 50 miles) within the city, highlighting a need for proactive planning and development coordination.

Throughout the meeting, developers’ perspectives were emphasized as crucial to informing policy decisions. The committee discussed creating a guide similar to one used in Los Angeles to assist residents interested in building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and expressed interest in developing design guidelines for larger apartment complexes to ensure they enhance neighborhood character. Concerns were raised about the difficulties in securing financing for affordable housing projects, particularly condos, and a discussion was held regarding the potential advantages and disadvantages of prioritizing condo versus townhouse developments. The committee also acknowledged that car payments represent a significant financial barrier to homeownership for many potential buyers, further complicating the affordability landscape.

What's Next & How You Can Get Involved:

The AHAC’s report on small-scale residential infill will be presented to the City Council's Planning and Economic Development Committee (PED) on November 12th. Residents are encouraged to attend these PED meetings and share their thoughts on the proposed changes, as public input is vital to shaping Asheville’s future. For those seeking more information, stay tuned for updates and resources from the City of Asheville regarding affordable housing initiatives.

This meeting underscored the AHAC's commitment to finding innovative solutions to Asheville’s ongoing affordable housing challenges. By actively engaging with developers, lenders, and the community, the committee aims to develop policies that are both effective and responsive to the needs of all residents.