Buncombe County's Land Use Plan was initially issued in 1998, and subsequently adopted by the Board of Commissioners in 1999. During the Land Use Planning process, studies were made of existing growth patterns, infrastructure, and uses, and areas within the County were cataloged with existing and potential development uses and factors in mind. In 2006, the Land Use Plan was updated to reflect the dramatic changes which have occurred within the County over the past decade.
The 2006 update set forth specific land use recommendations regarding rapidly urbanizing areas, environmentally sensitive portions of the County, and a number of strategies for future planning. One of these recommendations was the adoption of a County-wide Zoning Ordinance, which was subsequently enacted in December 2009.
The Land Use Plan is a living document, and is subject to change over the years as both Buncombe County and North Carolina adapt to constant changes in the population, environment, infrastructure, and economy.