When the City Council convenes their meeting on August 25th, they will vote on two zoning amendments that could help us meet the challenge of our housing shortage while also preventing sprawl.
Amendment #1: Increasing the maximum allowable size for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
This amendment would increase the maximum allowable size of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to 1,200 square feet (or 90% of the size of the main structure). Allowing larger ADUs means these homes can be built to house families, or they can provide an in-home office in addition to a bedroom for a renter, making it more likely people will build them and create more homes in their neighborhoods.
Amendment #2: Allowing duplexes in all residential neighborhoods in Asheville
Duplexes would be allowed in all residential neighborhoods by right, meaning they could be built without an overly complicated permitting process.
We have a housing shortage in our city, and building more ADUs and duplexes would help us address that challenge; they tend to be more affordable housing options because they are typically smaller than single-family homes, and they share lots, yards, and driveways with existing homes.
Hear the perspectives of local duplex residents in their own words about why these housing choices work for them and allow them to build community in our city:
Jessica Bachman: West Asheville duplex resident
“My name is Jessica, and I live in a duplex here in Asheville with my husband and our three cats.
We love our WAVL neighborhood—it’s quiet, cozy, and full of life. Most of the foot traffic consists of friendly neighbors walking their dogs, and we never know when we might spot one of the cute marmots or even the occasional black bear. Being surrounded by the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of Western North Carolina is one of the things that makes our little slice of this awesome neighborhood feel so special.
My husband is a resident physician at MAHEC, and I work in patient experience and reputation management for a regional health system.
Outside of work, we spend many weekends—and the occasional weeknight—participating in and supporting Asheville’s vibrant cycling community. We love riding in and volunteering at events that support organizations like Asheville on Bikes and the White Line Foundation. As avid cyclists and (aspiring) endurance athletes, we care deeply about safe roads for people walking, running, and biking, as well as access to greenways, parks, and other outdoor spaces that make Asheville such a wonderful place to live. We also enjoy supporting the many locally-owned bike shops and other outdoor businesses that help foster the active, outdoor lifestyle that drew us to Asheville in the first place.
Living in a duplex has been the perfect fit for this stage of our lives. We moved across the country so my husband could continue his medical training, and buying a home simply wasn’t realistic—especially in the neighborhood that made the most sense for our work commutes and the activities we love. Our duplex gives us something that traditional apartment living often can’t: our own front door, a small sense of permanence, and a place that truly feels like home. As someone who works from home and spends some amounts of time alone while my husband is often at the hospital or in clinic, I also appreciate the added comfort and security of having wonderful neighbors close by.
I wish there were more housing options like duplexes throughout Asheville because so many people are in the same position we are. Many young professionals, medical residents, and other members of our workforce are balancing student loans, uncertain long-term plans, and rising housing costs. Duplexes provide an affordable middle ground between apartment complexes and single-family homes, allowing people to live within city limits, build community, and enjoy the independence of a home without the financial commitment of purchasing one. Housing choices like ours make it possible for people to put down roots, contribute to the community, and support the local economy—even if they’re only here for a few years. I hope more people will have the opportunity to make a home in Asheville the way we have!”
Joe Archibald: North Asheville duplex resident
“I live in this duplex by myself; my ‘adopted family’ lives downstairs and own the house.
I love this neighborhood because it’s walking distance to basic services (grocery, restaurants, etc), easy biking distance to my work, outdoor activities nearby, and on a bus route.
I work as a self-employed architect & woodworker. I am a board member for the Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust and a former Chairperson for Asheville’s Planning & Zoning Commission.
Living in a duplex works for my life because even with a professional career, purchasing a house in a convenient location is difficult in the Asheville area. Living here allows me to spend my time & money in other ways than a mortgage. I wish there were more housing options like this in the city because there are more and more single adults, young and old, in society, and we all need safe, affordable and secure housing choices.”
Meaghan Merck: North Asheville duplex resident
“Being able to find an affordable place to live within city limits has become harder and harder. When my husband and I found out we were pregnant we realized the apartment we were renting was not suitable for our growing family. We wanted to find a place that was in a neighborhood to replicate the fond memories we both cherish from our childhood. Things that seem simple like knowing your neighbors and having a yard to run around in have become increasingly hard to acquire. We began our search for a place that ticked those boxes and quickly found that homes within our budget simply did not exist. We started to get discouraged at the prospects that were available in Asheville. Most are ill maintained and so overpriced that starting a family and living comfortably did not seem like an attainable thing. We love being in the city of Asheville – the art , the people, the nature surrounding us – we did not want to give that up.
Finally, in our search, we happened upon the duplex that we currently live in today. It provided what we have been searching for. We have the space that allows us to live comfortably with our newborn. We also get to experience living in an established neighborhood with amazing neighbors that we can get to know. The apartments we have lived in before have always been a revolving door of people moving in and out which made it difficult to feel a part of a neighborhood and more than that to take pride in that neighborhood.
As a young family just beginning to start out this duplex has been such a blessing to us and has allowed us the opportunity to provide a great home for our baby. I urge the city of Asheville to legalize duplexes citywide to allow opportunity for folks like us to take pride in our neighborhoods and to help give more housing prospects to families like ours.”
Allowing for the construction of these types of homes means we are building up and within city limits, which is more environmentally sustainable and prevents urban sprawl. This type of development is also more efficient when it comes to providing homes with public services like water and sewer – the infrastructure is already there, or very close by. More housing options would help create more sustainable, walkable communities, incentivizing transit service and the addition of amenities like restaurants and shops within our neighborhoods.
You can help make these types of communities a reality. Sign the Block Party pledge to get campaign updates, and join us at our upcoming Block Party Happy Hour to get a free campaign t-shirt and yard sign.
Questions? Reach out to Shea at shea@mountaintrue.org or 828-617-0853.