Board of Adjustment Meeting | Jan. 14, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap – January 14, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Adjustment convened on January 14, 2026, for a meeting primarily focused on a single significant case concerning property at 90 Hazelwood Road. The Board, comprised of appointed community members, heard arguments and reviewed evidence related to Variance Application ZPH 2025-00032, commonly referred to as the Villa Variance. This meeting provided an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to understand a proposed adjustment to existing zoning regulations and the reasoning behind the Board's decision.

The central issue before the Board involved a request from Pilar Villa, represented by Walter Lucas of Titan Factory Direct, to reduce the required setback for a mobile home from 10 feet to 4 feet. The need for this variance arose due to an error discovered in a previously approved site plan review, which had incorrectly identified the property’s setback line. The applicant argued that denying the variance would create a significant financial hardship, jeopardizing loan commitments and hindering access to her property. A key point of contention revolved around the circumstances surrounding the initial approval error and its impact on the applicant.

Community concerns were voiced by Ms. Chrissy Lytle, a neighboring property owner who established her right to participate in the proceedings. Ms. Lytle expressed concerns about potential negative impacts on her property, citing issues related to access, erosion control, and overall safety. County staff confirmed the initial site plan review error, acknowledging that a right-of-way had been overlooked. They also noted the building permit for the project had expired, adding complexity to the situation. The Board carefully weighed this testimony alongside supporting documentation, including photographs and a petition signed by concerned neighbors, demonstrating significant community interest in the outcome.

Following extensive deliberation, the Board of Adjustment unanimously approved Variance Application ZPH 2025-00032, granting the requested setback reduction. The Board’s decision was based on their assessment that approving the variance aligned with the overall intent of the zoning ordinance, particularly considering the circumstances surrounding the initial approval error. They acknowledged and considered the concerns raised by neighboring residents, demonstrating a commitment to balancing individual property rights with community well-being.

Looking ahead, the Buncombe County government will draft an official order formally documenting the Board’s decision. County staff will also ensure that all conditions associated with the variance are clearly defined and diligently followed throughout the construction process. This outcome means that construction on the mobile home at 90 Hazelwood Road can proceed as planned with the adjusted setback. Residents should be aware that this decision stems from an identified error in a previous County approval process, highlighting the importance of thorough review and adherence to zoning regulations.