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Buncombe County, NC Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

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

Key Facts

Off-street loading standard
Set by Sec. 78-659
Minimum loading space
12 ft by 40 ft, 14 ft clearance
Applies to
Business, trade & industry sites
On-street loading zones
None (NCDOT roads)
In a city?
City curb/loading rules apply

Summary

Buncombe County sets off-street loading standards through Sec. 78-659 of its Zoning Ordinance, requiring qualifying business, trade, and industrial sites to provide off-street loading berths sized to the use. There are no on-street loading zones in the unincorporated county; state roads are NCDOT-controlled. Cities set their own downtown loading rules.

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.

For the purpose of this section, an off-street loading space shall have minimum dimensions of 12 feet by 40 feet and an overhead clearance of 14 feet in height above the alley or street grade.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Loading in unincorporated Buncombe County is a site-design requirement, not an on-street matter. Sec. 78-659 requires every lot with a business, trade, or industry use to provide off-street loading space with access to a street or alley, at minimum 12 by 40 feet with 14 feet of overhead clearance: one space per 10,000 square feet of retail floor area, one per 25,000 square feet of wholesale/industrial, and enough for truck terminals. Because the county has no municipal street grid and its roads are state-maintained, it does not designate curbside commercial loading zones; any curbside loading on a state road follows NCDOT and NC Chapter 20. Requirements are confirmed at zoning review. Businesses inside Asheville follow the city's loading rules.

Violations & Fines

A development that fails to provide the required off-street loading areas will not pass Buncombe County zoning review or receive a zoning permit; noncompliance is enforced by Planning & Development through corrections, civil penalties, and abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my business need an off-street loading area in Buncombe County?
If it is a business, trade, or industry use, yes. Sec. 78-659 requires off-street loading space of at least 12 by 40 feet with 14 feet of clearance, at ratios based on floor area, confirmed at zoning review.
Are there curbside loading zones on county roads?
No. The unincorporated county has no municipal streets, so there are no designated curb loading zones. Roads are state-maintained, and curbside loading follows NCDOT and NC Chapter 20.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Buncombe County

Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsStreet Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsRV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsCurb Color RulesSome RestrictionsAbandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsDriveway RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Buncombe County rules

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