March 18, 2024

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Understanding the proposed STR changes

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Learn about the proposed changes to prepare for tonight’s session. | Photo by @matty.media

Back in January, the Buncombe County Planning Board hosted a special listening session to hear public comment on the proposed text amendments to Buncombe County’s development ordinance related to short-term rentals (STRs). And if that already sounds complicated to you, don’t worry.

We’re here to break down the county’s current regulations, proposed changes, and implementation process surrounding STRs — because another listening session is slated for tonight, March 18 at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium at 5:30 p.m.

A bit of background

The proposed changes for STR regulations come as part of the first step in implementing Buncombe County’s 2043 Comprehensive Plan, using guidance from the Growth, Equity, and Conservation chapter. That chapter focuses on increasing the number of affordable ownership and rental units.

Current regulations

The current zoning ordinance allows STRs (think Airbnbs and VRBOs) in all zoning districts except the airport district. STRs can be single or multi-family homes, basement apartments, garage apartments, or manufactured homes less than 9,000 sqft — they can be rented for between two and 29 days.

Proposed changes

The proposed changes will only apply to the unincorporated parts of Buncombe County, excluding Asheville and other municipalities, because the county doesn’t have the authority to change zoning regulations in incorporated municipalities.

Proposed changes include an updated definition of STR, development standards and prohibitions for new STRs, and more. Proposed standards include limiting STRs to commercial districts, reducing the maximum gross floor area of a single unit for a STR as well as regulations on parking, waste management, events, and more.

Some notable proposed prohibitions state that STRs cannot be in developments that receive county incentives, manufactured home parks, travel trailers, RVs, or similar residences.

More changes + public comment

Events

Monday, March 18

Turnover | Monday, March 18 | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $25 | Hear the band’s mix of pop-punk and indie dream-pop with support from MSPAINT, Drook, and Law Enforcement.
The Office Trivia | Monday, March 18 | 7-9:30 p.m. | The Whale Outpost, 2 Beverly Rd., Asheville | Free | Answer seven rounds of questions about the workplace comedy, with prizes for first, second, and third place and best team name.

Tuesday, March 19

Wise Words Open Mic | Tuesday, March 19, Tuesday, April 16 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Express yourself artistically — stories, songs, poems, or just creative articulation.
History Hour: The Rumbling Mountain of 1874 | Tuesday, March 19 | 6-7 p.m. | Virtual | $0-$10 | Asheville Museum of History public programs director Trevor Freeman will teach about how press coverage of the 1874 earthquake led to potentially lasting perceptions and stereotypes of the Appalachian region.

Wednesday, March 20

Pasta Class | Wednesday, March 20 | 2-4 p.m. | Bargello, 7 Patton Ave., Asheville | $65 | Chefs will guide you through crafting delicious stuffed pasta from scratch, like ravioli, agnolotti, and tortellini.
Greenway Walking Club | Wednesday, March 20 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Meet at Weaver Park, 200 Murdock Ave., Asheville | Free | Make new friends as you walk the Glen Creek and Reed Creek greenways from Weaver Park as a group.
Asheville FM Live Music Sessions | Wednesday, March 20 | 9-11 p.m. | The Getaway River Bar, 790 Riverside Dr., Asheville | Free | Hear a warm and atmospheric live set from husband and wife duo The Moon and You — or tune in to 103.3 Asheville FM to hear it broadcast.

Thursday, March 21

Evan Kafka: Trophies & Billboard Selfies Exhibition | Thursday, March 21 | 5-7 p.m. | Ramsey Library’s Blowers Gallery, 1 University Heights, Asheville | Free | Attend the reception for Kafka’s exhibit, which features photographs of live animals captured to appear as taxidermy heads and his selfies taken with the “Shot on iPhone” billboards he created for Apple.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Edu

Officials at Asheville City Schools (ACS) announced that Lucy S. Herring Elementary School will remain open for the 2024-2025 school year as the building is renovated. Earlier this month, ACS said the school would close for renovations, but soon after decided to explore other options to keep students at the school. (WLOS)

Biz

Moog Music is on the move. The synthesizer manufacturer announced it will be moving its product design, development, and engineering departments from its Broadway Street location to the Citizen-Times building on O. Henry Avenue and expanding its manufacturing facility in Weaverville. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Opening

Reservations are now available for The Flat Iron Hotel at 20 Battery Park Ave. to book a room beginning Friday, April 26. The Art Deco-inspired hotel will include an upscale Italian eatery, Luminosa; a speakeasy cocktail bar, Red Ribbon Society; a rooftop bar; and other amenities like Iron Works, a co-working space and podcast recording studio.

Number

$574,461. That’s how much money NC drivers raised for enhancements to the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2023 by purchasing or renewing a Blue Ridge Parkway specialty license plate. Plus, $250,000 of the proceeds benefited the NCDOT Wildflower Program, creating pollinator habitats on NC roadways. Learn how to get your parkway plate.

Cause

Indie online literary + culture magazine The Rumpus (which relocated to Asheville last year), is seeking three to six volunteer members for its Capacity-Building Board to help the magazine achieve fiscal sustainability. Check out the responsibilities and apply by Sunday, March 31.

Edu

They crunched the numbers — and, for the third year in a row, found that UNC Asheville is one of the nation’s top “Colleges Worth Your Money”. See why the university received this recognition + why a return investment on a college education is so important.*

Home

If you can’t remember the last time your AC unit was serviced, you may be overpaying for your air. Regular maintenance pays for itself with efficiency-boosting savings + helps extend the lifespan of your unit. Schedule a quick check-up.*

Giveaway

Win two GA Weekend Passes to Bear Shadow music festival nestled in the beautiful Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, May 11-12, 2024 ($600+ value). Festival headliners include Black Pumas, JJ Grey & Mofro, and Futurebirds. Enter to win on our Instagram.*

Opening

Sip on something new

Sip on something new at TRVE Brewing Co. | Photo by AVLtoday

Here in Asheville, our cup runneth over with places to grab a drink — but there are some new spots to put on your radar for your next happy hour. From breweries to wineries to rooftop bars, drink in the details on the new additions and highly anticipated openings in the beverage scene.

What’s new

TRVE Brewing Co., 255 Short Coxe Ave.
The Denver-based brewery opened up its Asheville location on Thursday, March 14. What can you expect from the new spot? Beer and metal. There are plenty of brews on tap to choose from (we recommend the Obsidian Imperial Stout) as you take in the dark, hard rock vibe.

What’s on the way

VISUALS Rooftop Bar, 10 Buxton Ave.
Soon you’ll be able to sip on the native fermented wines, ciders, and aperitifs made by the folks from Burial Beer Co. The rooftop bar is under construction, slated to open this spring.

More places to wet your whistle

The Buy

A new scent from Corridor Candle Co. Collection to treat yourself. It’s the first day of spring and what better way to celebrate the season than a new candle?

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

Looking for a canine companion, a feline friend, or even a barnyard buddy? From Tuesday, March 19 to Saturday, March 23, the Asheville Humane Society is waiving adoption fees — check out its website to find adorable adoptable animals.

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