The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains was recently invited to a regulatory reform meeting with State Senators Tim Moffitt (R-Henderson) and Steve Jarvis (R-Davidson). Representatives from several BABRM member companies attended, including Scroggs Construction, Compact Cottage, Buchanan Construction, Nanostead, Modern Mountain Builders, and The Branch Group.
Some of the topics covered included appreciation for Senator Moffitt and his bipartisan co-sponsorship with State Senator Julie Mayfield (D-Buncombe) on SB 497 (Expand Missing Middle Housing) and SB 499 (Allow Housing near jobs). We also touched on some recommendations for modular homes (temporary and permanent), transportation, streamlining permits, and CEU education hours.
We were grateful to be asked to attend and look forward to upcoming opportunities. If you are interested in participating in these types of meetings in the future, please reach out to Sarah Cosgrove at advocate@ashevillehba.com.
Highlights from Senate Bills 497 and 499
The two housing-related bills co-sponsored by Senators Moffitt and Mayfield are:
Senate Bill 497 – Expand Middle Housing
This bill aims to address North Carolina’s housing shortage by requiring local governments to permit “middle housing” types—such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes, sixplexes, and townhouses—in all areas zoned for residential use, including those traditionally limited to single-family homes. NC Newsline / NC General Assembly
Key provisions include:
- Mandating that local governments allow all middle housing types in residential zones.
- Prohibiting regulations that discourage middle housing development through unreasonable costs or delays, such as restrictive zoning or design standards.
- Ensuring that middle housing is subject to the same permitting processes as single-family dwellings.
- Requiring local governments to consider affordability measures, like waivers or deferrals of system development fees, when adopting regulations. NC Newsline or North Carolina General Assembly coverage
Senate Bill 499 – Allow Housing Near Jobs
Also co-sponsored by Senators Moffitt and Mayfield, this bill seeks to facilitate residential development in areas zoned for commercial, office, or retail use. North Carolina General Assembly & NC Newsline
Key aspects include:
- Allowing residential development by right in all commercial zones, eliminating the need for zoning amendments or conditional use permits.
- Permitting the conversion of existing commercial buildings into residential units, provided they meet applicable building and safety codes.NC Legislative Reporting Service / NCGA / The Builder’s DailyThe Builder’s Daily
This approach aims to increase housing availability near employment centers and make use of underutilized commercial spaces. The Builder’s Daily
Both bills are part of a broader legislative effort to address the state’s housing crisis by increasing the supply of affordable and diverse housing options.
If you need more detailed information or assistance with these bills, feel free to ask.
