Planning Board OKs KOA Rezoning; Sends Decision to County Commissioners

The Buncombe County Planning Board voted July 20 to approve a zoning map amendment filed by Campgrounds of America Incorporated that would rezone two parcels totaling 6.77 acres from CS (commercial) to R-3 (residential).

Haley Mathis, a planning staff member who presented the review, said the parcels (listed at 517 Lazy Bear Boulevard and an off-site parcel on U.S. Highway 70) are currently used for camps, cottages and an RV park. Mathis told the board staff had found the rezoning largely consistent with the county comprehensive plan’s future land-use categories and recommended approval.

Mathis noted one inconsistency: part of the property lies in a regulated flood hazard area. She said the rezoning would not change the maximum density under the proposed R-3 designation, and that any future development in the floodplain would still require flood permits and the usual regulatory reviews.

An applicant representative, participating by phone, said community feedback has been positive and described the rezoning as bringing existing uses into alignment with the zoning map. A board member disclosed a conflict and recused themselves because their business does work with the campground.

Committee member (S6) moved to approve the rezoning and to find the request consistent with the growth, equity and conservation goals of the 2043 comprehensive plan; another member seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion passed. The board chair said the decision will now go to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners for their review.

The board held two public comment periods that day; no members of the public spoke on the KOA amendment during the designated hearing. The recusal and the floodplain note were recorded in the staff report and in the meeting minutes.