Commissioners approve Horseshoe Farm conditional zoning amendment with traffic and site conditions

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners voted on March 18 to approve an amendment (CD-2020-02-A1) to the Horseshoe Farm conditional zoning district. The amendment expands the prior conditional district by about 11 acres (to approximately 90.829 acres) to add nine residential lots and permits new internal road access and an additional administration building while retaining the resort amenities previously allowed (short-term rental cottages, restaurant, equestrian facilities and event space).

Sen-Asheville 1, LLC and applicant agent John Turchin presented modifications to the master plan. The Planning Board had unanimously forwarded a favorable recommendation with conditions. At the hearing a resident, Mebane Lee, spoke in opposition citing potential increased traffic; the applicant addressed neighbor concerns during review and staff reported several conditions intended to mitigate impacts.

Key conditions the board approved require that traffic on Nelson Road be limited to the existing residential lots with deeded access (lots #39–#44 on the revised plan), prohibit commercial deliveries or visitor traffic associated with Horseshoe Farm from using Nelson Road, require signage on internal roads to prevent through-traffic to Nelson Road, impose lighting mitigation for the RV area, and record the revised master plan and the signed conditions with the Henderson County Register of Deeds. Chairman Lapsley moved approval; the motion carried with all members present.

The recorded conditions will bind current and future owners and are intended to reduce traffic impacts and lighting intrusion to adjacent neighborhoods. Further building permits, NCDOT driveway permits and utility approvals will be required for site work and new structures as described in the board’s condition list.