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Buncombe County, NC Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Base district coverage
No fixed percentage
Steep-slope disturbance (<2 ac)
0.3 acres max
Steep-slope impervious (<2 ac)
0.16 acres max
Steep-slope min lot
1.5 acres
Code section
Buncombe 78-644(f)

Summary

Buncombe County's base zoning districts do not fix a single lot-coverage percentage, but the Steep Slope/High Elevation Overlay District strictly caps disturbed and impervious surface. On steep-slope lots under two acres, impervious surface is limited to 0.16 acres and site disturbance to 0.3 acres.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The maximum gross site area impervious surface allowed in the Steep Slope/High Elevation Overlay District for any single lot shall be: For lots less than 2.0 acres shall be 0.16 acres. For lots 2.0 acres and larger shall be eight percent.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).

Full Breakdown

Ordinary Buncombe County zoning districts govern lot intensity through minimum lot size, setbacks, and density rather than a uniform coverage percentage. The tight coverage controls appear in the Steep Slope/High Elevation Overlay District (Sec. 78-644): maximum site disturbance is 0.3 acres for lots under 2.0 acres, or 15 percent for larger lots; maximum impervious surface is 0.16 acres for lots under 2.0 acres, or 8 percent for larger lots, excluding individual septic systems. New steep-slope lots must be at least 1.5 acres, and no more than two dwelling units are allowed per lot of record. These hillside standards apply across the Asheville-area mountains in unincorporated Buncombe County.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the overlay's disturbance or impervious limits is a zoning violation; the county may halt work, deny compliance, and assess civil penalties under Section 78-583.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Buncombe County set a lot-coverage percentage?
Base residential districts use lot size, setbacks, and density rather than one coverage figure. The Steep Slope/High Elevation Overlay adds strict disturbance and impervious-surface caps.
How much of a steep-slope lot can be paved or built?
On lots under two acres, impervious surface is capped at 0.16 acres and site disturbance at 0.3 acres; larger lots use 8 percent impervious and 15 percent disturbance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Buncombe County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Buncombe County rules

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