[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6523743,"mediaKeyId","5028231-5fc8686b5cd217e2f75be5ec79c69b0a","parentId",5028231,"title","Council adopts landscape and tree-preservation standards; requires green space and native-plant guidance","audioSeconds",887,"startMs",6439000,"endMs",7326000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5028231-5fc8686b5cd217e2f75be5ec79c69b0a&start=6439&end=7326","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5028231-5fc8686b5cd217e2f75be5ec79c69b0a/thumbnail_6439000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6523743/North-Carolina/Council-adopts-landscape-and-tree-preservation-standards-requires-green-space-and-native-plant-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523743-bcfa39b08bb493a558cd5ceb45b82e86/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123205&Signature=favYKeKCZsiYxNJjexYt1Ars64SIe5sahFikkR~tNEQUzeMjguD7ZDfHpUF68ET8a2ta5E2V~j~T3oRyPs2pYoNKij5-x3N-zqSErX7EQ0AeBxB3ppe80QOOsEkhM-uUYo5ELLkaR5YmvXSwdETupMwmEHNqK7T1gP5bolhBBSYM9IbZTDABwgcz-7lPmy~E1tpjRT~VsIPpdJ3lQeSGqm0cV9EkEQhX44dP4B-mwxw1qQni~ZNPb491Hfvk7NGZh4dNCcz9pS8fTA6EQdJJl1e9mL5n7QZWcLkiYCtWf2T8MA4vMQh5fB7vm0tLsJv-jqnzejjq5Urqr1rrwjINzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Woodfin, NC","date","2025-06-18T09:52:21.107Z","article","The Town of Woodfin Town Council approved a zoning-text amendment on June 17 that adds or strengthens landscaping, tree-preservation and green-space requirements across multiple zoning and subdivision rules.

Planning staff, supported by a council subcommittee, proposed the ordinance to add street-tree requirements, widen buffer yards, set minimum green-space thresholds and increase credit for preservation of large trees. The ordinance keeps the existing Mountain Village standards but extends clearer landscape rules to other zoning districts, including requirements for vegetative screening of dumpsters and utility/service areas and limits on speculative grading.

Key provisions the council adopted include:
- Street trees at a spacing standard (one tree per approximately 40–50 feet of frontage, adjusted where overhead utilities interfere).
- Buffer yards widened to 20 feet with planting minimums expressed per 100 linear feet (for example, a stated number of trees and shrubs per 100 feet).
- Vehicular-use-area planting standards: one tree per specified area of vehicular use and planting islands sized at a minimum (300 sq ft) where required.
- Minimum green-space: 5 percent minimum on most parcels, rising to 15 percent for major subdivisions; required green areas must include tree planting at roughly one tree per 1,000 sq ft of green space.
- Greater tree-credit weight for preserving larger specimen trees (the code increases credits for larger trunks rather than capping eligibility at small sizes).

Staff and the council emphasized the ordinance aims to support tree canopy, reduce heat island effects and encourage native plants. The council also approved an appendix listing recommended native trees and shrubs (the list will be maintained as part of the code appendix; changes to the appendix will be handled through the town's formal amendment process when needed). Staff said the appendix is intended for required landscaping selections and to improve survivability and long-term maintenance.

During the planning-board hearing, a community member who helped compile the native list urged the council to share the plant list as an editable spreadsheet and noted that local nurseries carry many of the recommended species. Council members asked that the word \"green space\" be used in place of \"open space\" in the ordinance language; motion language adopting the amendment included that substitution.

Council voted in favor of the zoning-text amendment after a public hearing and a planning-board recommendation for approval. The amendment is intended to be enforceable as part of site-plan review and subdivision approval; staff told council that required plantings must be maintained and replaced if they die during the required maintenance period.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025.06.17 Woodfin Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved zoning and subdivision amendments adding landscape standards: street trees, widened buffer yards, minimum green-space percentages, enhanced tree credits and a native-plant appendix.","taxTitle","Woodfin Town, Buncombe County, North Carolina","taxId",71388,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523747,"Woodfin manager: Helene recovery, parks and water projects advancing; SRF pre-application pending",206,127000,333000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5028231-5fc8686b5cd217e2f75be5ec79c69b0a&start=127&end=333","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5028231-5fc8686b5cd217e2f75be5ec79c69b0a/thumbnail_127000.jpg","/articles/6523747/North-Carolina/Woodfin-manager-Helene-recovery-parks-and-water-projects-advancing-SRF-pre-application-pending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523747-8eed0f57587d566f5df42ace8cfc79ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123205&Signature=NQvPgXYbj3nQCVfNOFs~D5Mh-gkr8VtNNo1u5LL7fv2f7oaO3AC8-97MOLCepHWc~-aRZEcQ0LUvyDXE80FxnZ1QA-HEi4d9M16GK4n5z~6WExswMp1KhfsQUQTQkoKJVgNRBPmQJUpAsGTUC2mXiRnlxRxKj5HuopJW6o1syhAlRtFE13ZLYtJond8HyUt4LghiXRGT1w1p2KnucBndcV9VZxDzoYzQwjBNip1l1PcVWywGmUnW178h0KHdlEq0WaiF0g3Q8I69wzAr5uHngzQQ5rZ8scAW~GalLHKKfz2tPJpQbcjc30j-T3GZZtayngUlZ6mHDzEQfF0989-mog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Manager Shannon Tuck updated the Town Council on multiple infrastructure and recovery matters June 17, reporting steady progress on storm-recovery tasks while noting permitting and contracting remain to be completed for several projects.

Tuck said public-assistance applications for parks remain in process and that the town is waiting on construction drawings, permits and additional information from contractors before issuing bids. She explained Silver Line Park remains closed mainly because the park was slated to serve as a staging area for river debris-removal operations; staff did not want to open the park temporarily only to have it closed again while heavy equipment worked. That debris removal has not yet transitioned to the state's program as expected, and Tuck said she has discussed timing with a state agency representative and hoped it would be resolved soon.

Tuck said Riverside Park may be suitable for reopening for passive walking because bank-stabilization work has repaired a sloughed walking trail; restrooms and picnic facilities are still out of service. Council members and residents expressed interest in posting clear notices about park status on the town website and social media.

On water infrastructure, staff reported the town submitted a pre-application to North Carolina's State Revolving Fund (SRF) program and received confirmation of receipt. Staff said the SRF pre-application process is currently encouraging most pre-applicants to apply for full funding invitations; an invitation to submit a full application may arrive in July. Council and staff discussed that private service-line connection costs to a new public line can be substantial (one figure discussed during the meeting ranged from about $4,000 to $14,000 per home) and that SRF awards can in some cases include funding for private line connections; criteria would not be clear until the SRF released application requirements in early July.

Tuck also provided routine departmental updates: public-works activity has resumed brush collection and mowing in areas of town; catch-basin cleaning was completed; a town-hall beautification day is scheduled for July 1; the planning department is conducting a code update kickoff and consultant visits; Riverside Park expansion drilling continues with boulder placement and forthcoming engineer inspections; Geneva Mainy Community Garden work days continue; and Roy Pope Park play-structure replacement parts are pending. In the police department, Jamie McCandless was named acting sergeant and the school resource officer position will be full time and funded largely through Buncombe County Schools and the town.

Tuck said the town is tracking FEMA and state reimbursements and expects additional budget amendments as final costs for debris removal and park repairs are established; staff has invoiced under FEMA and the state cash-flow loan program and expects to collect expenditures already incurred.","Town manager Shannon Tuck updated council on storm recovery work, parks status, and the town's SRF pre-application for water improvements, and discussed Riverside and Silver Line park reopening conditions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523752,"Woodfin council reduces stormwater fees after new impervious-surface analysis",474,3479000,3953000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5028231-5fc8686b5cd217e2f75be5ec79c69b0a&start=3479&end=3953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5028231-5fc8686b5cd217e2f75be5ec79c69b0a/thumbnail_3479000.jpg","/articles/6523752/North-Carolina/Woodfin-council-reduces-stormwater-fees-after-new-impervious-surface-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523752-84d1addadffd631efc118f02387f3651/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123205&Signature=JbFx3zNRWqqMdM5ll799JIz-g4ABOxw~tK-R24yfZj8LmxboZRTYqFjrMuZrBiiCX7Bp5TjpRcApfhFbj1H4EN6noNM2l3PCGQMvgQUe99sVllRaQg4sSV1jpL-DYEw1PLY7AImTNrlmKV4dru7kp09mGdl7UGnOngMIWDnZy6HVay8PieEDgpm7yQZixVH2uebtf4hOnfHOW1kQEBZj2y6wO6Z6ZJ12C5c9zWZI8LG0uDO2i2gZS~KF9cZp~kpn9JCqsyB-6UlbmH4kSUaPb7~na67~jf2NBLloAC57Bdj9PkopxnReCv9BT6rCpsLl5s~~jtcG4jbADlZbPu7EPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Woodfin Town Council approved an amendment to the stormwater fee rate structure on June 17 after staff presented an updated analysis of impervious surface using new aerial photography and building-footprint data.

Town staff told the council that the updated land-cover analysis showed about 24 million square feet of impervious surface town-wide and that commercial properties account for roughly 58 percent of impervious coverage. Staff recommended keeping the existing tiered structure for single-family residential accounts but reducing the per-unit fees because improved data and improved tax-office collection rates reduced the revenue need per billing unit.

Under the new calculation, the town determined an equivalent residential unit (ERU) to be 3,891 square feet of impervious surface. Using the ERU method for commercial properties, the monthly ERU rate was proposed at $5.44 — roughly $0.50 lower than the current per-ERU rate — and the residential tiers were reduced on average by about 21.8 percent. Staff explained that improved collection (the tax office now enforces the fee on property tax bills) and additional measured impervious area allowed the town to lower rates while preserving the enterprise fund balance and planned capital work.

At the public hearing, a resident asked about earlier unpaid fees and how the town would collect past-due stormwater amounts; staff answered that the town now places the fee on the property tax bill and the tax office will enforce collection the same way it does for property taxes going forward.

Council moved to adopt the ordinance amending Chapter 41, Article 7 (stormwater management utility) rate structure. The motion carried without recorded roll-call opposition.

Town staff said the stormwater enterprise fund remains restricted by law to stormwater purposes and that the council expects to hold a surplus in capital improvement for stormwater projects while it awaits final engineering and cost estimates for repairs tied to tropical storm recovery work.

Council members asked staff to publicize the fee reduction on the town website and on social media as positive news for residents; staff agreed to prepare messaging after the ordinance became official.","Using updated aerial data, the council approved lower stormwater fees and revised the ERU (equivalent residential unit) rate at the June 17 meeting after a public hearing.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523756,"Woodfin ABC Board outlines sales, staffing and marketing challenges during council meeting",3926,1137000,5063000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5028231-5fc8686b5cd217e2f75be5ec79c69b0a&start=1137&end=5063","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5028231-5fc8686b5cd217e2f75be5ec79c69b0a/thumbnail_1137000.jpg","/articles/6523756/North-Carolina/Woodfin-ABC-Board-outlines-sales-staffing-and-marketing-challenges-during-council-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523756-c45c4f1556646dc7d6bffc5ce7f40cc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123205&Signature=VXCYlPwxn2LObMCIAMaB8bVJ8hj3DwOhJ4BuIw7~yYYyMGRwg6K~F0dqPf~bcfPzGX7lESZDJnILzl5sgMLagKQunK44I9JWFZfp~So0Tvs2Q~RI3sA3kyqMj~1gfOffPVc7pGYlgLvG3Xc2Jl4dAMrNPsktZ62X26nTcGKp8ZN~DVtpBtPYK0BkeTh~7Xowp1Cd6vkXouZTkvJ8YUzCtcsqeX6euYIHNQs95L6oS6oESQVVHZG2Z1nIEwdaiWVpcHSiQ2AHzLcg1jBfR8z7~KlnTWUwE9KwJSTqxokk8jadaWUMGjrPxZ3z~BW0QWrGuSfhBLtE0aCgtQ7GdFRjww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woodfin ABC Board presented its year-to-date financials and operational challenges to the Town of Woodfin Council during the June 17 meeting, and board members discussed steps to raise store visibility, improve allocations and explore modest store refreshes.

The presentation, given inside the council meeting by members of the ABC board, summarized sales through May of $2.277 million year-to-date and showed a decline versus the prior fiscal period. Board members said retail liquor sales were down modestly while mixed-beverage-related sales had fallen more—one local restaurant began buying from a neighboring town. The board reported distributions year-to-date of $60,000 to the town, $7,500 to alcohol education/rehab, and $4,500 to law enforcement; net income for the ABC store was slightly under $9,000 for the year.

Board members told council they face two main operational limits: statutory restrictions on promotion and marketing, and a staffing shortage that has reduced full-time roles and pushed some work to part-time employees. The board said turnover and the loss of a full-time employee have pressured payroll and service capacity; they reported a posted starting wage of about $18 an hour for new hires.

Council members and the board discussed allocation and ordering processes with the North Carolina ABC Commission. The board described two allocation methods the commission uses for limited-distribution products: a limited distribution (first-come-first-served) allotment for rare items and an equitable distribution based on prior-year sales volume. Board members said higher-volume stores in larger jurisdictions receive greater allocations. They also described operational constraints — limited case availability for high-demand bottles and an ordering process that can leave small boards short against bigger buyers.

Board members said they have ordered a small cooler and other modest in-store improvements and suggested a larger store refresh over time. They asked the council to help raise awareness that purchases at the Woodfin store generate revenue for the town. Council members said the town could help with editorial content, posting on the town website and social media, and other education efforts that comply with state rules.

After discussion, the council and the ABC board agreed to a recurring update cadence: ABC board representatives will return to the council to provide a progress update every four months (October, February and June was discussed). Board members said they would work with the store manager on targeted, statutory-compliant education and low-cost store improvements while the board benchmarks operations with nearby stores.

Board members and council also discussed other operational levers: possible ownership of the store building (which can affect overhead), special orders for customers, and ways to encourage local mixed-beverage purchasers to buy from Woodfin. The board said it will continue to benchmark expenses and revenue with similarly sized boards and explore permissible outreach within state limits.

The council did not take formal regulatory action on the presentation; councilors asked the board to return with updates and to provide any materials that the town could lawfully publish to raise local awareness.","The Woodfin ABC Board presented year-to-date sales, distributions and staffing challenges to the Town Council and discussed steps to boost store sales and local awareness of the town revenue it generates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts landscape and tree-preservation standards; requires green space and native-plant guidance

Woodfin manager: Helene recovery, parks and water projects advancing; SRF pre-application pending

Woodfin council reduces stormwater fees after new impervious-surface analysis

Woodfin ABC Board outlines sales, staffing and marketing challenges during council meeting