What we do

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


Community meeting discussing the 2018 Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan

Community Planning Meeting

Community Planning Meeting


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.

Related Projects

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.

Planning and Urban Design News