Text Amendments to Unified Development Ordinance Last updated or reviewed on December 4, 2024 The City of Asheville is updating codes in its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). These codes are important because they govern land use and development within the city. All updates will follow the principles outlined in the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan and promote a built environment that supports the goals outlined in that plan. A change to the code means the rules for guiding development will change in some way. These changes should aim to: Address new development trends Accommodate changes in resident preferences Clarify existing code language Promote equitable and affordable housing opportunities Strengthen housing stability These changes are important because ordinances affect what residents can do on their property, what neighbors can do on theirs, and what kind of development can take place in neighborhoods. Engagement Hub The engagement hub helps you stay informed and submit your questions and comments about the upcoming proposed text changes. Engagement Hub for Proposed UDO Text Changes You will find information on proposed text changes that are currently under public review. This is where you can ask questions about these text changes or leave comments for staff. There are other ways for you to get more information or provide your feedback on a proposed text change. You can email the Planning and Zoning Commission or you can attend the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting during which the text change of interest will be discussed. See the Council meeting dates and times or the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting dates and times and view the agendas and minutes for those meetings. Text Changes Currently Under Review This table contains UDO text changes that are currently under consideration. Click on the case number to learn more. Text Changes Currently Under Review Case Number Case Name Description Status Next Key Date Contact 24-02604PZ Amendment to the Site Plan Review Thresholds for Development Proposes to increase the size of a private development project that can be reviewed and approved administratively rather than by City Council vote along transportation corridors and mixed-use districts. Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended Approval TBD Palmquist 24-02605PZ Amendment to Residential Parking Requirements Proposes to remove the requirement that new residential land development provide a minimum number of parking spaces along transportation corridors and within mixed-use districts. Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended Approval TBD Starr-Baum 24-06716PZ Amendment to Commercial Zoning District Standards Proposes to update the UDO’s definitions, table of uses, uses by right subject to special requirements, and certain commercial zoning districts to remove regulatory barriers and encourage the development of housing along transit-supportive corridors. Currently being drafted TBD Satvika Text Change Process This table will provide a quick reference to any adopted changes to the UDO. Text Change Process Case Number Case Name Description Status Notes TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD Timeline August 2024 – City staff begins work to update the UDO September 24, 2024 – City Council Worksession on the Affordable Housing Plan and updates to the UDO TBD – Presentation of the first round of housing supportive UDO updates to the City Council Background Asheville’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) needs an update. The UDO, which was first adopted in 1997, doesn’t fully reflect the city’s current needs. Asheville has grown and changed a lot since then, and the UDO needs to be updated to help address the economic challenges caused by lack of housing supply. One big issue is displacement. When cities grow, new development can sometimes push long-time residents out of their neighborhoods. This is a problem in many cities, and Asheville is no exception. The City has recently completed two important projects to help us address housing affordability and displacement of longtime residents: The Missing Middle Housing Study looks at why it’s hard to build a variety of housing types in Asheville, and makes recommendations for how to increase housing supply while protecting neighborhoods that are vulnerable to gentrification. The Affordable Housing Plan outlines strategies to make housing more affordable, especially for residents who are most vulnerable to displacement. Along with guidance from the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan, City staff is working with residents, neighborhoods, boards and commissions and elected officials to make positive changes to the UDO. The goal is to promote housing development in our growing city that is good for everyone, especially people who have lived in Asheville for a long time. Supporting Documents Living Asheville (Comprehensive Plan) Missing Middle Housing Study Affordable Housing Plan Current Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Contact Information Chris Collins, AICP Planning & Urban Design Department, Assistant Director 828-273-0034 ccolins@ashevillenc.gov
