# Planning Board Meeting

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — Planning Board
**Date:** July 21, 2025 9:30 AM EDT (2025-07-21T09:30:46-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Buncombe County Planning Board held a meeting on July 21, 2025, to address zoning updates and regional planning initiatives. The agenda included the approval of previous minutes, a presentation on the "Donut Hole" initial zoning project, and an update on the Swannanoa Small Area and Resilience Plan.

**Routine Items and Announcements**
The board unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the June 16, 2025, meeting. During announcements, staff noted that while the new boardroom is complete, technical setup delays will keep meetings in the Ghost Permit Building for the time being.

**Donut Hole Zoning Initiative**
The board received a presentation on ZPH2025-00023, which addresses "donut holes"—areas that were not zoned during the 2009 county-wide zoning update due to parcel size, location relative to municipalities, or state statutes. Staff explained that recent de-annexations from the city on Charlotte Highway and Sweetin Creek Road, as well as resurveyed county boundaries with adjacent counties, have created additional unzoned areas requiring attention. For Focus Area 1, which comprises approximately 106 acres along the northern county boundary currently zoned for vacant residential use with septic and well, a public hearing is anticipated in August or September. The board outlined next steps, which include contacting property owners in these areas, posting signs, running legal ads, and preparing a staff recommendation to forward to the Board of Commissioners.

**Swannanoa Small Area and Resilience Plan**
The board also reviewed the status of the Swannanoa Small Area and Resilience Plan, which is currently in the public engagement phase. Staff reported that an existing conditions study is underway, gathering demographic data, hazard vulnerability assessments for debris flow and flood plains, and analyzing impacts from Hurricane Helene. A poll to determine the boundaries of Swannanoa is currently running, and a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis poll is launching that week. Staff are collaborating with local organizations, including Mountain True, Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance, and Swannanoa Communities Together, as well as the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the Appalachian Design Center. A steering committee is being formed, with appointments scheduled for August 5, to guide the planning process. A design workshop is planned for December to develop a future land use map.

**Follow-ups and Next Steps**
Board members were asked to complete the SWOT analysis survey, for which they will receive a link in August. Additionally, the board discussed adding language to motions to clarify compliance with the Comprehensive Plan to ensure a clear record for future reference. County staff will explore incorporating this suggested language into motions and PowerPoint presentations.

**Public Comment**
No public comments were recorded in the transcript summary for this meeting.

## Agenda

- [Planning Minute Approvals](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717/item/23669)
- [6-16-2025 Minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717/item/25946)
- [General Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717/item/23670)
- [Presentations:](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717/item/25947)
- [ZPH2025-00023 – Donut Hole (Areas 1 and 2) Initial Zonings](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717/item/23671)
- [Swannanoa Small Area and Resilience Plan Update](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717/item/23672)
- [Planning consultant selection](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717/item/25948)
- [Steering Committee creation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717/item/25949)
- [Upcoming events](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717/item/25950)

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqb2LfsfYfQ
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/369/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_packet_2025-07-21.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/717?document=15005)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqb2LfsfYfQ)