We need you to act now to defend Buncombe County from powerful special interests who are fighting against reasonable regulations on short-term rentals. If they win, Buncombe County will become even more unaffordable for the people and families who live and work here.
The Airbnb and short-term rental industry lobby is turning out in force to public meetings to take advantage of our county. Let county leaders know that citizens like you support common-sense regulations on short-term rentals (STRs) that address our housing crisis and our critical need for more long-term housing.
Presently, there are over 5,000 STRs in Buncombe County, representing nearly 5% of our available housing stock. The regulation that Buncombe County Commissioners are considering would let existing STRs stay, protecting those who bought properties with the expectation that they could generate income from them. That is totally fair. What the Airbnb lobby wants is a free-for-all, where real estate companies can keep gobbling up more of our dwindling housing stock for more AirBnBs while more of us are priced out of our own communities.
Let County Commissioners know you support a fairer housing market. Let them know you want to put the breaks on STRs.
This Monday, April 22nd, the Buncombe County Planning Board will be discussing the issue of Short-Term Rentals for the third time. MountainTrue strongly supports the proposed text amendments to regulate STRs. Mitigating the loss of year-round housing to STRs is a top priority for our residents. The proposed amendments that are of particular interest to MountainTrue include:
- Removal of STRs as an allowable use on Steep Slopes and Protected Ridges
- STRs not being permitted in Mobile Home Parks
- STRs not being permitted in multi-family homes
We join our community partner, PODER Emma, in strongly supporting the prohibition of short-term rentals in mobile home communities, as their residents are particularly vulnerable to displacement.
Take Action:
1. Attend the Buncombe County Planning Board Meeting and let them know you want the regulation of short-term rentals in Buncombe County.
Buncombe Planning Board Meeting – PUBLIC HEARING
Date: Mon, Apr 22
Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm
Where: AB Tech Ferguson Auditorium
Tech Dr, Asheville, NC 28801
2. Click on the Take Action button below to email the Planning Board (planninginfo@buncombecounty.
Thank you for your attention to this issue and making change in our community.