ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828NewsNOW) — Buncombe County commissioners held a full agenda during their regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 5, which included public hearings, budget amendments and a recognition for the county’s Permits & Inspections Department.

The meeting began with an announcement that the North Carolina Building Inspectors Association has named Buncombe County as Jurisdiction of the Year. The award, presented during the association’s 2025 annual conference, honors jurisdictions that demonstrate outstanding professionalism and excellence. The department is led by Director Bob Haynes.

Public hearings

Commissioners held two public hearings during the meeting.

• Zoning request: In case ZPH2025-00011, the board approved a rezoning request for a parcel on Clarks Chapel Road, changing the designation from R-3 (residential) to CS (commercial service). County staff said the change aligns with the Buncombe County 2043 Comprehensive Plan.
• Text amendments: Case ZPH2025-00012 involved amendments to permitted uses and dimensional requirements, including the removal of mandatory single-family zoning in the county and updates to Beaverdam Zoning District standards. Commissioners approved the changes, which Planning Director Nathan Pennington called “a major milestone” in advancing affordable housing and aligning regulations countywide.

“This is something we can and should be proud of,” Pennington said in a news release.

Budget amendments

Commissioners approved two budget amendments.

• Cooling tower replacement: A $1 million amendment will fund the replacement of the cooling tower at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s Allied Health building. The project will use Article 46 sales tax funds and includes engineering services. The new tower will be constructed of stainless steel and is expected to last more than 20 years.
• Adoption program support: A $91,674 amendment will enhance adoption program outreach, focusing on placing children with special needs in permanent homes and strengthening partnerships between public and private agencies.

Property tax update

Tax Collector Jennifer Pike presented the annual property tax settlement, reporting a 99.54 percent collection rate for the 2025 fiscal year. Following the report, the board adopted the Order of Collection for the current year.

Strategic planning

In a briefing prior to the regular meeting, commissioners discussed budget priorities for fiscal year 2027 and continued work on a five-year Strategic Plan set to be adopted in September.

The next Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Aug. 19. More information, agendas and recordings are available here.