Asheville Business News -- October 4, 2026: The proposed Costco in Enka is set to undergo a significant procedural step this week, with the Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission holding a public hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. City staff are recommending approval of the revised proposal, which is a crucial stage before the project can advance to the Asheville City Council for final rezoning consideration.
The revised application covers property at 264 and 274 Enka Heritage Parkway, with related land at 1455 Sand Hill Road, located near Smokey Park Highway and Jacob Holm Way within Enka Commerce Park. The plan outlines a Costco retail warehouse of approximately 168,258 square feet, a 16-pump fuel station, a tire center, and approximately 914 parking spaces. The development is planned for roughly 25.5 acres within a larger 39.6-acre conditional-zoning area, and includes proposed improvements to Enka Heritage Parkway and surrounding roads.
Wednesday’s hearing is vital as the Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposal for consistency with Asheville’s conditional-zoning requirements and planning standards. While the staff recommendation for approval indicates the plan can meet city requirements, the commission’s action is a procedural step and does not grant final approval to build. The project is not yet approved.
If the commission advances the proposal, the application must still proceed through the city’s zoning process, including consideration by the Asheville City Council. The council holds authority over the requested conditional-zoning amendment, with a hearing tentatively anticipated on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, though the formal schedule remains subject to confirmation.
This is not Costco's first attempt to develop the site. The company withdrew an earlier application on Feb. 17, 2026, after delays and increased project scope, timeline, and anticipated costs due to additional requirements from reviewing agencies. Previous discussions involved transportation improvements, annexation questions, environmental considerations, and the condition of Jacob Holm Way. The current filing is a revised submission, and its resubmittal does not signify project approval.
Even if the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council approve the zoning request, Costco would still need to complete the city’s technical-review process and obtain required approvals from various agencies before construction could begin. These necessary clearances include final Technical Review Committee review, engineering and transportation approvals, stormwater and environmental permits, building permits, and any required state or federal approvals, alongside the resolution of road, access, and infrastructure conditions. The project remains in a proposed state and is not cleared for construction.