New Zoning Changes Pave the Way for More Housing in Hendersonville

April 14, 2025

On April 3, Hendersonville City Council unanimously approved zoning amendments to address the area’s growing housing crisis. The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains was proud to support the changes, and to help spread understanding of why the changes could be impactful in addressing our area’s lack of housing.

The changes focus on increasing urban density, which in turn can boost the supply of available homes within existing neighborhoods. More specifically, the amendments targeted two key areas: pole flag lots and small lot development.

Pole Flag Lots

A pole flag lot is a unique property where the main house sits behind a narrow driveway or “pole” that leads from the street. The “flag” portion of the lot is where the home is built, and the driveway serves as the access point to the lot. 

Before the zoning changes, required setbacks and driveway widths limited such development, but the new amendments reduce those restrictions.

Additionally, the changes allow for the subdivision of pole flag lots. This opens the door for more flexibility in how properties are developed, including the possibility of multi-family homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Small Lot Development

Hendersonville City Council also made changes to small lot zoning, reducing size requirements and setback regulations. 

These amendments give developers greater flexibility to subdivide lots and build a variety of housing types, including single-family homes, multi-family units, and ADUs.

Why These Zoning Changes Matter

By increasing urban density and making better use of existing properties, the city can take important steps toward alleviating the housing crisis. 

Key benefits include:

  • Increased Housing Availability: More homes can be built within existing neighborhoods, helping the city keep pace with rising demand.
  • Diverse Housing Options: With fewer restrictions, developers can now explore more creative housing solutions that respond to the needs of the community.
  • Efficient Use of Land: The changes unlock the potential of smaller, underutilized lots, thereby reducing urban sprawl.
  • Increased Tax Revenue: More housing expands the city’s tax base, strengthening funding for community services and infrastructure improvements.

New Revenue Streams for Homeowners: Homeowners now have the opportunity to generate additional income through subdividing or building ADUs.

The Builders Association’s Role in Advancing Zoning Changes

The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) played an important role in supporting Hendersonville’s recent zoning changes. 

Under the leadership of Barry Bialik, BABRM member and CEO/founder of Compact Cottages in Asheville, the association launched a targeted advocacy campaign. Members were encouraged to email the City Council directly to voice their support for the proposed amendments. BABRM also helped encourage people to attend the Council meeting and speak, highlighting the many benefits of the zoning changes.

The well-coordinated effort strengthened the case for the proposed amendments. After weighing the input and recognizing the urgency of the need, the City Council moved quickly to approve the changes.

“We were thrilled with the advocacy effort, as people from a wide range of backgrounds came forward to voice their support,” said Sarah Cosgrove, a Hendersonville resident and BABRM’s Advocacy and Engagement Director. “It’s critical that our elected officials see and hear from us as we look for creative ways to address the region’s housing crisis.”

Ready to Support Change? Join the Builders Association.

The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains is proud to advocate for policies that build a stronger Western North Carolina and provide housing for people of all income levels. When you join BABRM, you add your voice to a powerful network working to protect and grow our local building industry. Let’s shape the future together. Join today.