City releases updated timeline for code project
The draft form-based code for the River Arts District has been released. 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! The City of Asheville will hold a public meeting this 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center at 285 Livingston Street. We are 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.
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
April 7: Public meeting 6– 7:30 p.m. on the draft code, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston Street,
April 30: Public comment period ends on the draft code.
May – July: Continued revisions to the draft code, staff works with consultant.
August – September: Second draft released. Work session with the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission Public meeting.
October – November: Draft Code brought forward for adoption to Asheville Area River Redevelopment Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
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.