Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Asheville, NC (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Asheville, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
Asheville lets a qualifying sustainable development project add density above the base zoning allowed by right under UDO Sec. 7-16-1(69) and Appendix 7-G. Adding 50 to 69 total units triggers a Level II staff review; 70 or more units requires the full Level III review process under Sec. 7-5-9.
Asheville Sustainable Development Density Bonus
Some RestrictionsAsheville, NC Code of Ordinances Sec. 7-16-1(69)f.1
1. Additional density may be applied to the base density allowed by right under the existing zoning per appendix 7-G. Review levels will be determined by base densities not including units added as a result of the application of this section. Regardless of the base density, any project between 50—69 units total shall be required a Level II review as set forth in subsection 7-5-9(b); projects wi...
Downtown Design Guide
Asheville requires design review before construction, rehabilitation, signage, exterior illumination, fences, walls, or parking lot changes inside the Downtown Design Review Overlay District. The Asheville Downtown Commission and the planning and development department review applications against adopted design guidelines under Code of Ordinances Sec. 7-9-3.
Asheville Downtown Design Review District
Significant RestrictionsAsheville, NC Code of Ordinances Sec. 7-9-3(e)
(e) Review of work requiring permits, review, or variance. All construction work that requires a building, sign, zoning, or demolition permit, or a variance, must be submitted to the planning and development department for review prior to the issuance of the permit. Routine maintenance shall not be subject to review, but procedures for cleaning and painting buildings must be reviewed. In addi...
Looking for Buncombe County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Asheville city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Buncombe County →