During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the proposed changes to the flag lot policy, which aims to address housing affordability and zoning regulations in Asheville. The conversation highlighted the urgency for action in light of ongoing displacement concerns and the upcoming bond vote.

Council members expressed frustration over the slow progress in housing reforms, emphasizing that significant changes have not been made since 2016. One member criticized the council for not taking decisive steps to alleviate housing shortages, stating, \"We need action... and I'm really disappointed in you.\" This sentiment underscored the pressure on local leaders to respond to community needs.

The proposed amendments to the flag lot policy include reducing the minimum width of flag lots from 20 feet to 16 feet, with the possibility of further reduction to 10 feet if a shared driveway is utilized. This change is intended to align with the historical pattern of lot sizes in the city and to promote the development of smaller, more affordable homes. The maximum house size on these lots would be capped at 1,400 square feet, aimed at fostering workforce housing.

Additionally, the amendments would allow the flagpole portion of the lot to count towards the minimum square footage, and would revise existing sewer line requirements to better reflect practical realities in the community. The council also discussed the potential for these changes to create more building lots without increasing zoning density, thereby facilitating the development of affordable housing options.

The meeting revealed a clear consensus among some council members that immediate action is necessary to combat rising lot prices, which have made housing increasingly unaffordable. With only five lots available for sale in Asheville under $125,000, the urgency for reform is palpable. The proposed flag lot changes are seen as a critical step towards creating more accessible housing options and addressing the broader issue of displacement in the community.