Asheville Reporter

The City of Asheville has announced a series of public information sessions to discuss proposed changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). These revisions focus on updates to commercial district zoning standards, project level thresholds for new development, and minimum parking standards within the city's transit supportive and commercial corridors. Residential zoning district regulations will remain unchanged.

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved these amendments in a 5-0 vote on January 22. The City Council is set to hold a public hearing regarding the amendments during their regular meeting on February 11, 2025.

Assistant Planning and Urban Design Director Chris Collins explained that the amendments align with findings from the Missing Middle Housing Study and support goals from the Affordable Housing Plan by "removing barriers to housing production through changes to regulation."

Collins also noted that public engagement on these proposals has been ongoing since before Tropical Storm Helene affected the region in September. A virtual Engagement Hub was established to disseminate information about each amendment, gather public feedback, and provide details on upcoming events.

The community can attend two information sessions: an in-person session on January 30 at 161 S Charlotte Street, Asheville, and a virtual session via Google Meet on January 31. Pre-registration is encouraged for both sessions.

Further updates related to the UDO can be accessed at https://www.ashevillenc.gov/udotextchanges.