Anticipating a flood of property value appeals after recent reassessments, Buncombe County is also moving forward with capital projects and development rule changes affecting businesses and residents. Commissioners have approved updates to streamline permitting and address growth pressures in the Asheville area, according to BPR. These changes coincide with plans to issue up to $145 million in bonds for capital projects, including school renovations.
To bolster internal controls, the county will contract with Raleigh-based Cherry Bekaert for external audits and adopt federal "Green Book" standards, addressing staffing shortages that have persisted since September, according to BPR News. Finance Director Melissa Moore announced the limited obligation bond plans, with a public hearing set for March 17. The bonds will fund capital projects, including the school renovations.
Vannoy Construction secured a $6.5 million contract for renovations at Hall Fletcher Elementary in West Asheville. Work is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and finish in October 2027. The next Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, at 5 p.m. in downtown Asheville. These developments contribute to a broader capital spending spike in Buncombe County, projected to exceed $30 million in fiscal year 2026-27, driven by maintenance backlogs and infrastructure needs.
Buncombe County is also updating outdated development ordinances, including flood rules last revised in 2009, watershed protection measures, and zoning for areas lacking it, known as "donut holes." These proposals go before the Planning Board on March 16, with a public hearing set for April 21. Officials are proceeding cautiously because a 2024 North Carolina law banning "downzoning" creates legal uncertainty around changes like parking maximums or housing incentives.