Buncombe County reviews Laurelwood Village Phase 2 development request by Sam Howard Properties

Buncombe County's Board of Adjustment has taken a significant step towards expanding housing options in South Asheville by reviewing the Laurelwood Village Phase 2 project. The proposal, presented by Tim Fleischauer of Sam Howard Properties LLC, seeks to add four additional townhome units to an existing development on a 4-acre open space parcel off Hartleaf Circle.

This second phase follows the approval of the first phase in February 2020, which included 29 townhome units. The new plan requests reduced setbacks and minimum lot sizes to accommodate the additional units, with proposed lot sizes as small as 2,250 square feet. The adjustments also include a reduction in building separation from the standard 20 feet to 17.5 feet.

The project is designed to connect to public water and sewer services, and the staff has recommended several conditions for approval. These include the submission and recording of a major subdivision plat, which must indicate a legal easement connection to the neighboring private road, Waitstill Drive.

During the meeting, board members inquired about the consistency of these requested adjustments with those made during the first phase's approval. Staff confirmed that the adjustments align with typical practices for townhome developments, which often require similar reductions in setbacks and lot sizes.

As the board continues to evaluate the proposal, the implications for housing availability in the area are clear. If approved, this project could provide much-needed additional housing options in a region facing increasing demand. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential public input as the board moves forward with its decision-making process.