Board approves 35-unit Case Cove residential planned unit development with stormwater and legal compliance conditions

The Buncombe County Board of Adjustment approved a Level 1 planned-unit development (PUD) special-use permit for a 35-unit long-term rental community on a 40.31-acre parcel off Case Cove Road.

The board’s approval included conditions requiring the developer to record commitments and complete required permitting before beginning land disturbance, plus a requirement that any future subdivision return to the board for review.

Jillian Phillips, filling in as the county’s long-range planning manager, told the board the proposal (ZPH202500010) would place 35 single-story dwellings on a 40.31-acre property served by public water and individual septic. Phillips said the property is zoned Open Use and that staff recommends approval with conditions including that the project be constructed as depicted on the submitted site plan and that the applicant acknowledge that future subdivision would trigger additional review.

Owner William (Bill) Cole and the development team described a three-phase plan to build 35 smaller single-family-style rental units (mixture of one- and two-bedroom units) with on-site trails and an amenity area. Chris Rollins of Cage Engineering testified as the project’s site planner and lead designer; Rollins said soils work indicates adequate areas for conventional or drip-irrigation septic systems and that stormwater will be managed through low-impact roadside conveyance and a stormwater master plan required during permitting.

Neighbors who testified raised concerns about tree canopy loss, light pollution, water pressure, snow removal and wildfire risk. Applicant representatives replied that the design seeks to preserve stands of trees where possible, that the plan relies on a soils report for septic planning and that the project team intends to coordinate stormwater and utility approvals with the county and City of Asheville where required.

After questions from board members on issues including sidewalks, road grades and future maintenance, the board adopted a written order approving the special‑use permit subject to standard site-plan conditions and two specific items: (1) the applicant may not subdivide the property without returning to the board and (2) the applicant must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws — the board specifically recorded that compliance must include Fair Housing and the Americans with Disabilities Act where applicable to the development.

The motion to approve carried with the members present voting in favor. The board’s order directs staff to record site-plan conditions and requires the applicant to secure final stormwater, grading and wastewater approvals as part of the pre‑construction process.

Ending — The approval allows the applicant to proceed to detailed engineering and permitting. The board’s order leaves multiple implementation steps, including stormwater submittal and septic permitting, to the subsequent technical-review and permitting process.