What we do Last updated or reviewed on July 2, 2026 The Planning & Urban Design Department serves and works with the community to realize Asheville’s long-term vision. Through thoughtful land-use planning and urban design, we foster community character, support resilient development, and help create vibrant, livable places that promote a high quality of life for current and future generations. Learn more about department services, projects and initiatives by clicking any of the tabs at the top of this page. Scroll down for quick links to some of our more popular services. Quick Links ONLINE DEVELOPMENT-RELATED SERVICES: Pay fees, submit a digital permit application, schedule an inspection, report a food truck. See other Related Services below for additional development services available to you. Click here for Online Development-Related Services. ZONING SERVICES: Zoning enforcement resources and zoning verification letters. Click here for Zoning Services. PLANNER OF THE DAY: To reach the Planner of the Day for your zoning-related questions, please call 828-259-5450 or email POD@ashevillenc.gov. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Planning & Urban Design is responsible for managing nine boards and commissions. Navigate to the tab at the top of the page, or click here for more information on Boards and Commissions. Updated information regarding the operations of all boards and commissions can be found by visiting the City Clerk’s page. Visit https://www.ashevillerecovers.org for the latest updates on Helene Recovery Connect Address 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 and 161 S. Charlotte Street (Zoning and Site Plan Review) Mailing Address P. O. Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802 Phone Number 828-259-5830 Business HoursMonday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.Department DirectorStephanie Dahl Additional LinksStaff Directory Related Services Meet with a Development Liaison The Development Liaison helps coordinate across departments, clarify requirements, and support projects facing prolonged timelines, conflicting standards, or unique property hardships — especially in flood-impacted areas. Learn about large-scale development Keep up to date on current projects and applications. Explore city data Public datasets and maps are available on the open data portal at data.ashevillenc.gov. Schedule a Technical Review Committee Pre-Application Meeting Schedule your required pre-application meeting for Level II, Level III, Conditional Zoning and Major Subdivision reviews. Apply for a homestay permit Apply for a new homestay permit or apply to renew your existing permit. Look up information about a permit Use online tools to look up information about permits Check whether your address is within city limits Search to see if it is within the City of Asheville's permitting jurisdiction. Find location and zoning information Find the zoning information for your project. Explore Related ServicesRelated Projects Biltmore Village Infrastructure Recovery Click to read more. Montford Design Standard Amendments Click to read more. Eagle and Market Street Enhancements The Eagle and Market Street Enhancements project aims to improve public space use with a cohesive and inspired design for the historically Black business district known as The Block. Explore Related ProjectsPlanning and Urban Design News Community invited to attend rescheduled Historic Preservation and Affordable Housing lunch and learn Posted on August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 by Kim Miller Community members are invited to learn more about perserving our history, and how that helps affordable housing efforts in our City. Join us Friday, August 14 11:30AM @the YMI Actions and presentations at the July 28, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by Kim Miller At Asheville City Council July 28, council members took considered and took action items ranging from Helene related demolition, affordable housing related home repair policy, a presentation of the ART Draft Plan to a donation for the preservation and restoration of City Hall chimes. Learn more about the actions that are important to you. Public Invited to Drop-In Input Session on Biltmore Village Infrastructure Recovery Project Posted on July 15, 2026July 15, 2026 by Kim Miller The City of Asheville invites community members, business owners, and residents to attend an upcoming drop-in meeting opportunity to learn more about the Biltmore Village Infrastructure Recovery project, ask questions of the project team, and provide feedback that will inform the final restoration plan. Explore Planning and Urban Design News
Meet with a Development Liaison The Development Liaison helps coordinate across departments, clarify requirements, and support projects facing prolonged timelines, conflicting standards, or unique property hardships — especially in flood-impacted areas.
Explore city data Public datasets and maps are available on the open data portal at data.ashevillenc.gov.
Schedule a Technical Review Committee Pre-Application Meeting Schedule your required pre-application meeting for Level II, Level III, Conditional Zoning and Major Subdivision reviews.
Check whether your address is within city limits Search to see if it is within the City of Asheville's permitting jurisdiction.
Eagle and Market Street Enhancements The Eagle and Market Street Enhancements project aims to improve public space use with a cohesive and inspired design for the historically Black business district known as The Block.
Community invited to attend rescheduled Historic Preservation and Affordable Housing lunch and learn Posted on August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 by Kim Miller Community members are invited to learn more about perserving our history, and how that helps affordable housing efforts in our City. Join us Friday, August 14 11:30AM @the YMI
Actions and presentations at the July 28, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by Kim Miller At Asheville City Council July 28, council members took considered and took action items ranging from Helene related demolition, affordable housing related home repair policy, a presentation of the ART Draft Plan to a donation for the preservation and restoration of City Hall chimes. Learn more about the actions that are important to you.
Public Invited to Drop-In Input Session on Biltmore Village Infrastructure Recovery Project Posted on July 15, 2026July 15, 2026 by Kim Miller The City of Asheville invites community members, business owners, and residents to attend an upcoming drop-in meeting opportunity to learn more about the Biltmore Village Infrastructure Recovery project, ask questions of the project team, and provide feedback that will inform the final restoration plan.
