NC Lawmakers Introduce Housing Bills to Address Crisis Worsened by Hurricane Helene

North Carolina --  In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which displaced hundreds across North Carolina and underscored the state’s ongoing housing crisis, lawmakers have introduced a package of bipartisan bills aimed at dramatically increasing the state’s housing supply.

The legislative push centers around expanding “missing middle housing” — a category that includes duplexes, townhomes, triplexes, and small multifamily buildings that provide a middle ground between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. These housing types are seen as essential for creating walkable, affordable neighborhoods that serve working families, seniors, and young professionals.

Four Bills to Rebuild and Reimagine Housing

Introduced by Sen. Tim Moffitt (R-Henderson County) and Sen. Julie Mayfield (D-Buncombe County), the four bills offer a wide-ranging strategy:

Senate Bill 497 – Expand Middle Housing
This bill would require all local governments to allow middle housing in areas zoned for residential use, even in neighborhoods traditionally limited to single-family homes. The goal is to make it easier and more affordable for developers and homeowners to build housing types that match community needs and scale.

Senate Bill 499 – Housing in Commercial Zones
This legislation opens the door for residential development in areas currently zoned for commercial, retail, or office use. It would also allow for the conversion of underused commercial buildings into homes — a timely option as many storefronts and office spaces sit vacant following recent economic shifts.

Senate Bill 495 – Statewide ADU Approval
The third bill makes it legal statewide to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), often called “granny flats” or backyard cottages. These smaller units offer flexible living options and are seen as a practical, fast-to-build solution for people needing housing post-Helene.

Senate Bill 492 – Streamlining Apartment Construction
This measure would permit apartment buildings up to eight stories tall to be constructed with a single stairwell, a design used in many cities worldwide that can reduce construction costs and expand housing density — though it has drawn some debate over safety standards.

Responding to Helene's Aftermath

The bills come at a critical time. Hurricane Helene left entire communities across Western North Carolina in disrepair, pushing emergency shelters and temporary housing beyond capacity. Damaged homes, strained infrastructure, and skyrocketing rents have only added to the pressure on working families and retirees alike.

“Helene didn’t just expose gaps in our disaster response — it highlighted how fragile our housing system already was,” said Sen. Mayfield. “We need more housing options, more flexibility, and fewer barriers to building homes people can actually afford.”

If passed, these bills could pave the way for thousands of new housing units in urban centers, small towns, and rural communities. They also reflect a growing consensus that restrictive zoning and outdated building codes are part of the housing problem — and that bold steps are needed to fix it.

Looking Ahead

Local leaders and community organizations across Haywood, Buncombe, and neighboring counties have expressed cautious optimism. With Helene’s damage fresh in memory, the state’s renewed focus on long-term housing resilience is being welcomed by many as overdue.

WNCTimes

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