Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission Last updated or reviewed on October 30, 2025 NOTICE: The regular meetings of the Asheville-Buncombe Riverfront Commission will remain meeting as needed until June 30, 2027, unless noticed otherwise. This page will be updated as new information becomes available. Special meetings may occur if a board needs to meet regarding Helene-related or pressing matters. Members of boards that are meeting on an as-needed basis have the following pathways to propose new tasks that have not been directed by City Council: Ask their board’s representative on the Helene Recovery Boards to present the idea to their respective Recovery Board. Communicate the idea to a Council Committee. Communicate the idea to City Council. Ask their board chair to present the idea to the department director who provides support to their board (e.g., Urban Forestry Master Plan, Arts & Culture Plan, Home Repair, Resilience Hubs, etc.). The purpose of the Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission (ABRC) is to recommend to the City and County an overall policy for the continued development and sustainability of the regional riverfront. The Commission provides recommendations to the City and County for effective management of the public resources for the districts, and actively pursues and assists private sector investments in the districts. The Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission assists through cooperative measures to evaluate and represent the recommendations of other organizations, including, but not limited to property owners, merchants, residents, businesses, tenants, non-profits, institutions, as well as other members of the riverfront and regional riverfront district communities. 3 members of the ABRC also participate in the Design Review Committee (see River District Design Review, below). View current members and board composition requirements here Special Meetings The Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission will remain meeting as needed until June 30, 2027, unless noticed otherwise. Special meetings may occur if a board needs to meet regarding Helene-related or pressing matters. UPCOMING SPECIAL MEETINGS: Next Meeting: The Asheville-Buncombe Riverfront Commission will hold a special virtual meeting on October 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. The purpose of this special meeting is to discuss the establishment of the four city recovery boards and how that affects the Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission. HOW TO FOLLOW THE LIVE MEETING: Watch live stream on the Engagement Hub or the City’s YouTube Channel PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Please visit the Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission Engagement Page to confirm which public input options are available for specific meetings. In person public comments, public comments are scheduled during meeting near the start of the agenda. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes each Written public comments, please see meeting specific email on the Engagement Hub, or use the general ABRC Public Input email: FH8736@PublicInput.com. Have an issue with participating in a board or commission meeting, in person or virtually? Use this form to let us know! NOTICE: The agenda commenting period will be closed at 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting. All public comments will be sent to the committee prior to the meeting but may not be read aloud. Rules of Procedure Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission Enabling Ordinance Agendas and Resources Agenda Minutes Recording October 30, 2025 Agenda October 30, 2025 Minutes October 30, 2025 Video September 12, 2024 Agenda August 8, 2024 Agenda August 8, 2024 Minutes July 11, 2024 Meeting Canceled June 13, 2024 Agenda June 13, 2024 Minutes May 9, 2024 Agenda May 9, 2024 Minutes April 11, 2024 Meeting Canceled March 14, 2024 Agenda March 14, 2024 Minutes February 8, 2024 Agenda February 8, 2024 Minutes January 11, 2024 Agenda January 11, 2024 Minutes ABRC Membership – View current members and board composition requirements here The Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission consists of fourteen members. three members appointed by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, with one being a County Commissioner. five members appointed by City Council, with one being a City Council member. one member appointed by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. one member appointed by RiverLink. one member appointed by the Council of Independent Business Owners. one member appointed by the Black Mountain Town Council. one member appointed by the Board of Explore Asheville Convention. and one member appointed by the Woodfin Town of Aldermen. Each appointing body shall ensure that at least one half of their appointees are an owner of real property or an owner of a business in the Regional Riverfront. The Town of Woodfin, having only one appointee, is exempted from the ownership requirement. The Chairperson for 2024 is Anne Keller. ABRC Annual reports Annual Report 2023 Annual Report 2022 Annual Report 2021 Annual Report 2020 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 2018 Annual Report 2017 Annual Report 2016 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 2014 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2012 River District Design Review and Resource Documents The former Riverfront Planning and Design Review Committee became part of the new City of Asheville’s Design Review Committee two years ago: Asheville City Council adopted Ordinance No. 4855 on February 23rd, 2021. This ordinance amended the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) related to hotel regulation and development review processes, and included the establishment of a new Design Review Committee (DRC) for all projects in designated design review areas (River, Downtown & Hotel Overlay). Development teams can still work with Planning staff to receive preliminary feedback on projects. Contact Will Palmquist at wpalmquist@ashevillenc.gov WHAT IS RIVER DISTRICT DESIGN REVIEW? River District Design Review includes architectural review of all construction work requiring building, sign, demolition, zoning permits, and variance requests within the River District. The purpose of design review is to preserve and enhance the character of the area, to protect existing and create new unique sites and structures, and to encourage investments that will increase pedestrian connections and density while promoting and managing the riparian areas of local rivers. Anyone planning construction work in the River District must have their proposal reviewed by Planning and Development Department staff for alignment with River District Design Guidelines and the broader themes of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Master Plan. While review is mandatory, compliance with feedback and suggestions is voluntary. Renovation, rehabilitation, and construction that promotes visual harmony, enhances the historical integrity of the area, and recognizes environmental constraints is encouraged by the review process. Parcels Requiring Design Review River District Design Review Guidelines River District Tree and Shrub Guidelines- French Broad Tree and Riparian Enhancement Plan Wilma Dykeman Riverway Master Plan Riverfront Drive Master Plan Contact the City of Asheville’s Planning & Urban Design Department staff prior to making an application to discuss the proposed plans and determine what information is required for submission at (828) 259-5846. You must submit materials in advance of your meeting. Contact Will Palmquist for more information ABRC Contact Information Staff Liaison: David Hazzard (828) 417-4306
