Madison County Board to Weigh Third Ridge Top Setback Variance Amid Controversy

On May 28, the Madison County Board of Adjustment will review a third variance to the 50-foot setback requirement for building on ridge tops 3,000 feet and higher. This follows two prior approvals and comes as the county navigates the complexities of ridge top development in the Seven Glens community.

Why this matters: The decision on the setback requirement has broader implications for the environment and community development in Madison County. If the variance is approved, it could set a precedent for future development projects, potentially affecting the natural beauty and character of the area.

The Madison County Planning Board had initially recommended eliminating the 50-foot setback requirement for building on ridges higher than 3,000 feet, as stipulated in the county's Mountain Ridge Protection Ordinance. However, the Madison County Board of Commissioners decided to reform its ridge top work group and send the issue back to the Planning Board for further recommendations, emphasizing the need for a more deliberate approach.

In a notable decision, the county commissioners and County Manager Rod Honeycutt restructured the ridge top work group to exclude a commissioner. The Planning Board is now tasked with amending its recommendations to the commissioners regarding the setback requirement.

Madison County remains the only county in the state with a setback requirement for building on ridge tops. This unique regulation has sparked considerable debate among residents and public officials.

Concerns have been raised about the county commission's decision to hold work group meetings internally and closed to the public, with some questioning whether this potentially violates public meetings laws. Spring Creek resident Maxine Dalton criticized the county commission's decision to notice meetings in the Asheville Citizen Times rather than the local News-Record & Sentinel.

The upcoming decision by the Madison County Board of Adjustment on May 28 is a significant step in the ongoing discussion over regulating ridge top development in the Seven Glens community.

Vice Chair Michael Garrison of the Board of Commissioners referred to the decision to reform the ridge top work group and send the issue back to the Planning Board as "a mulligan." This indicates the board's intent to take a fresh approach to the contentious issue.

As the date approaches, the community remains divided on the best path forward for ridge top development, with many closely watching the outcome of the May 28 meeting.

Key Takeaways

• Madison County Board of Adjustment to review 3rd variance to 50-foot ridge top setback requirement on May 28.
• Decision could set precedent for future development projects, affecting environment and community character.
• County commissioners reformed ridge top work group, excluding a commissioner, and sent issue back to Planning Board.
• Madison County is the only county in the state with a ridge top setback requirement, sparking debate among residents and officials.
• Community remains divided on the best path forward for ridge top development, closely watching the May 28 meeting outcome.