LAND USE

Incorporated in 2003, the Town of Mills River is “new” in terms of its status as a municipality. However, the community that is Mills River has been around for over 200 years. Originally established as a farming hub, Mills River was once home to many dairy and small farms.

Over just the last few generations Mills River has transitioned from predominantly traditional agricultural producers and dairy farmers to more refined and efficient methods of growing in greenhouses and controlled environments. Land development has created a slow and steady loss of farmland of all types. Additionally, residential development has seen some of the highest growth rates ever. Furthermore, Mills River is the largest player in economic development in Henderson County. Since 2006 there has been over $483,000,000 in industrial development resulting in more than 1,100 jobs.

The purpose of this plan element is to provide a road map to guide development to areas best suited to support additional growth. Furthermore, this element outlines specific policies intended to protect sensitive land from industrial, commercial, or residential development for the purpose of preserving farmland and open spaces.

Performance Metrics

∙ Change in development intensity and density in targeted development areas and other areas

∙ Change in population, employment, and population to employment ratio.

∙ New commercial floor area

∙ Number of approved variances

∙ Number of zoning compliance permits and other development approvals

∙ Timeframe for completing zoning compliance permits

∙ Number of projects approved under architectural standards

Potential Partnerships & Collaborators

∙ Agribusiness Henderson County

∙ Asheville Regional Airport

∙ Land Conservancies

∙ Duke Energy

∙ Henderson County

∙ Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development

∙ French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization

∙ Manufacturers and industry representatives

∙ Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County

∙ Mills River Agricultural Advisory Committee

∙ Mills River Partnership