We all know we need more housing in Asheville. The only way to address our housing crisis is to adopt creative solutions. a local REALTOR® took the initiative and started a citizen-led petition to ease the rules and regulations on Flag Lot and Cottage Development standards. These changes would immediately activate thousands of lots within the city for development of homes at more attainable price points. The City Council is voting on these at their next meeting on Tuesday, September 10th.

Send a pre-written letter TODAY to show your support for more housing in the city. Contact the City Council and ask that they approve proposed changes to the Flag Lot and Cottage Development standards in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). 

These proposed changes for their potential to:

• Create the possibility for more buildable lots in the city where infrastructure already exists;
• Create the possibility to build more homes at more attainable price points;
• Allow a homeowner or a builder to add an ADU-like home to a property without being restricted by current ADU size standards; and
• Allow for more design options and flexibility, which can be particularly beneficial for older adults and those wanting to age in place.

Asheville is filled with thousands of lots that are already double sized by zoning standards but can’t be divided solely because of technical wordings in the UDO. These amendments will make minor technical changes that fix that and make it easier to access these larger than standard lots with new, more attainably-priced homes.

These changes would create the possibility of thousands of additional buildable lots in the city where infrastructure already exists. They would also create the possibility to build more homes at more attainable price points. 

Be an advocate for more housing in the city - and show your support for one of our own! - by contacting City Council today!