Buncombe Board of Adjustment approves variance for Stern driveway into vegetated stream setback with stormwater conditions

The Buncombe County Board of Adjustment voted to grant a variance allowing a driveway that encroaches into a vegetated stream setback on Tax Lot 0607‑71‑9996, subject to three staff‑approved conditions and remediation of outstanding erosion‑control violations. The board voted in favor after hearing technical testimony, public concern about stormwater and slope stability, and discussion among staff, the applicant and neighbors.

The variance was approved with three conditions: minimize direct discharge of untreated stormwater runoff within the vegetated setback to the maximum extent practicable as determined by the county stormwater administrator; provide water‑quality treatment of stormwater from built‑upon area within the vegetated setback to meet high‑density water‑quality standards to the maximum extent practicable as determined by the stormwater administrator; and withhold issuance of any stormwater permit until all erosion‑control violations identified by county staff are remedied.

Neighbors and several residents told the board they feared increased runoff and slope instability if the project proceeded. “I don't want my property to be bare rock,” said Gina Miceli, a homeowner who said she lives downstream of the site and…