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Woodfin planning board approves ADU rule to let businesses house caretakers on site
Summary
The Woodfin Planning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a text amendment allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) tied to commercial buildings—described as caretaker residences—on Community Shopping lots along Weaverville Road, and recommended language restricting occupancy to caretakers or employees.
The Woodfin Planning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously May 5 to approve a text amendment that allows accessory dwelling units—described in staff materials as caretaker residences—on commercial parcels in the community shopping district along Weaverville Road.
Staff presented the change as an amendment to the town's ADU definition and limited-use standards to permit a subordinate dwelling associated with a principal commercial building. Ricky Hurley, town planning staff, said the amendment would allow either attached or detached residences on lots that contain an existing commercial building and would continue to prohibit short‑term rentals. “Our current accessory dwelling unit standards do not allow for short‑term rental,” Hurley said, adding that the ADU standards cap size at 70% of the principal building’s gross floor area, not to exceed 2,000 square feet.
Board members raised enforcement and occupancy concerns during the discussion. Several members asked whether the town could require that an on‑site unit be occupied only by a person employed by the business or a caretaker. Hurley said state law limits certain residency requirements but said staff would research whether a municipal standard tied to employment or caretaker status could be drafted; the board included a recommendation that Town Council consider language restricting occupancy to caretakers, employees or directly contracted security personnel.
A public hearing drew no speakers. A motion to approve the text amendment and to add the recommended restriction passed 6–0 on a roll call vote. Board members emphasized that the amendment is intended to allow business owners or staff to live near a business for security or convenience, not to create additional market residential units.
The amendment will go to Town Council for final action; staff said the council is scheduled to consider the measure in mid‑May. If adopted, the change would allow limited, long‑term residential units on commercial properties subject to applicable building, flood and stormwater codes, parking requirements and the ADU size limits described above.
