Board grants front‑setback variance for house on Nellie Bell Lane, cites topography and septic constraints

Buncombe County’s Board of Adjustment approved a setback variance on March 11 for a single‑family residence at 9 Nellie Bell Lane after hearing testimony that topography, septic placement and foundation needs left few feasible building locations on the lot.

Applicant Scott Barfield said a hired contractor set the modular home corners without ordering a required foundation survey; when the error was discovered the team added an eight‑foot retaining wall and a revised septic layout to stabilize the slope. "My business partner, best friend, and myself, we build an investment house, and we hired a contractor... we gave them the plans approved by the county," Barfield said, describing the contractor and site management issues that led to the encroachment. The applicant also provided photos and a recent drone survey showing the relationship of the house to the road and the added retaining wall.

Board members discussed road‑adjacent safety concerns and whether additional measures (landscaping, guardrails or buffers) were warranted. The applicant said the homeowners association agreed to a planting buffer — the site plan shows a line of 10‑foot trees spaced about 8 feet apart along the facade — intended to screen the house from the road. Considering the lot’s constrained geometry and septic needs, the board found an unnecessary hardship from strict application of the ordinance and approved the variance; staff will draft a formal order reflecting the findings and any conditions.