The Ashville, N.C. City Council recently enacted zoning changes in a vibrant area of the community to make the area more pedestrian-friendly.
Zoning in the city’s River Arts District will be form-based, focusing on the layout and look of new buildings, not how they are used. New buildings will be required to be closer to sidewalks and tailored more toward pedestrians than cars. The new plan also allows for higher rise structures that would increase the city’s density.
The new form-based code came after two years of community input. City lawmakers also enacted a restriction on short-term housing rentals. Rentals of less than 30 days are banned in residential zones that cover most of the city with violators subject to $500 fines
The latter action is meant to help curb an affordable housing shortage in the area. Homeowners will be allowed to ask for waivers to the ban, however.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2018
As ICC prepares to vote on codes for tall wood buildings, opposition is still strong
Influential body will vote in October on new provisions to allow 18-story wood-framed structures.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2018
Saltwater incursion into Miami’s aquifer may make city uninhabitable later this century
Rising sea levels likely to claim drinking water before land is under water.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2018
Smart Surfaces Coalition will help cities reduce urban heat island effect
Surfaces can reflect away heat and help prevent flooding.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2018
Certified Green Buildings may have an advantage in capital markets
Research supports financial case for certification.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2018
NIST releases report outlining steps to bolster disaster resiliency
Offers immediate occupancy building codes and performance standards strategies.
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2018
Coalition of mayors around the globe pledge net-zero buildings by 2030
New construction to produce as much energy as it consumes.
Codes and Standards | Sep 5, 2018
New White Paper on Metal Panel Fire Safety Released
Has detailed information for insulation, fire safety requirements in U.S., other countries.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2018
Trade war could make adaptive reuse more attractive
Higher cost of building materials could make rehab a better financial bet.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2018
Metrics should guide strategy for schools seeking LEED certification
Assessing current status helps direct where improvements can have greatest impact.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2018
The 2018 IAPMO solar and swimming pool codes now available
For installation and inspection of public and private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.