The draft form-based code for Asheville’s River Arts District has been released as is available on the project website. The draft code is basically a recommended rezoning for the project area, but it is not final. Staff expects that there will be many changes made to the draft to make sure it fits with the community’s vision for the area.
The form-based code is intended to address both current uses and form in the district as well as future buildings and uses. Several goals of the form-based code are to: maintain the industrial and creative arts feel of the District; retain an environment that supports working artists and their studios; support the adaptive re-use of existing buildings; and add predictability for residents, tenants, and owners.
We need your feedback on this draft code!
City staff is collecting input until April 30 (see schedule below). In addition, City staff will be analyzing the recommendations and comparing it with other standards in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and give additional feedback to the consultants. The code will be amended over the next six months, and a final draft will go through an approval process including community meetings, hearings at the Asheville Area River Redevelopment Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
Background
The City of Asheville embarked on a form-based code process for the River Arts District in 2015. We’ve seen the benefits of a form-based code in downtown and Haywood Road, where it has added to the predictability of development for the community and developers, ensured that new buildings are compatible with surrounding areas, and has made the development process overall easier.
Extensive community input has been gathered for this draft code: a week-long workshop process in the summer of 2015, and feedback from both stakeholders and city staff on the Charrette Report that was released in fall, 2015.
It is important to remember that these are draft zoning districts, but do not represent decisions that have been made. Your feedback will be helpful to refining the recommendations!
Project timeline
March 7: Draft code released.
March 22: Drop in session, 3-5 p.m. at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St.
April 7: Public meeting on the draft code, 6-7 p.m. at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St.
April 30: Public comment period ends on the draft code. Residents who don’t attend either of the public meetings but wish to make comment on the draft code can do so through the project website.
May – July: Continued revisions to the draft code, staff works with consultant.
August – September: Second draft released. There will be a work session with the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission and a Planning & Zoning Commission public meeting.
October – November: Draft code will be brought forward for adoption to the Asheville Area River Redevelopment Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
How to view the document
- The Draft Code can be found online at code-studio.com.
- A paper copy of the report is available at the front desk of the Planning and Urban Design Department at City Hall, on the 5th You are welcome to come and spend some time looking at it during City Hall hours.
How to give us your feedback
- The project website allows you to comment on the post about the draft code.
- The project Facebook page allows comments, or direct messages that will go to the consultants and staff.
- Written comments may be submitted in person at City Hall, 5thfloor or you can send an email to Sasha Vrtunski, Project Manager at svrtunski@ashevillenc.gov.