Buncombe commissioners vote for new rules on multifamily developments

On Tuesday, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of new, more stringent rules governing multifamily developments.

The stand-alone ordinance effectively closes a loophole many citizens feared would exist until the enactment of county-wide zoning later this year, one that would have allowed developers to build high-density projects on slopes sensitive to runoff and landslides. The ordinance also governs the heights structures may be at certain elevations.

According to the wording of the new ordinance, group-housing projects at 2,500 feet or above are limited to a 35-foot building height. Density at that altitude is limited to one dwelling unit per every two acres, meaning that a 20-unit condominium project would require a 40-acre parcel.

At 3,000 feet and above, the ordinance limits building heights to 25 feet and specifies just one dwelling per four acres.

Board Chairman Nathan Ramsey was the only commissioner to vote “no” on the motion. Because Tuesday’s meeting was a continuance of last week’s commissioners’ meeting, county rules require another vote on the matter, scheduled for March 8.

Its passage seems likely, given the clear majority that voted for it yesterday.

— Kent Priestley, staff writer

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