Abandoned building ordinance proposed to reduce fire and squatter concerns in Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville city leaders are set to consider a stricter ordinance aimed at tackling ongoing problems with abandoned buildings, as neighbors continue to report squatters and fires inside vacant properties.

On Tuesday, April 14, the Asheville City Council will vote on a proposal that would give code enforcement staff expanded authority to secure buildings that are structurally sound but still considered unsafe or a public nuisance. Securing would include putting up fencing or boarding up a property to keep squatters out.

Staff says they currently have a running list of about 30 residential and commercial properties they would target if the ordinance is approved.

COMMUNITY RAISES SAFETY CONCERNS OVER ABANDONED HOUSE IN THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

City officials shared photos highlighting the issue. One image showed a burned abandoned home on South French Broad Avenue from March 16. Just four days later, another photo showed the same site cleared — an outcome staff says they want to replicate to eliminate fire risks and unauthorized occupancy.

Another property on Booker Street in South Asheville, photographed in 2023, also shows signs of fire damage. Staff says they have continued monitoring that location, but are limited in what they can do under current rules.

Neighbors living near these properties say the conditions are concerning. Steve Ehly, who lives across from one abandoned home in West Asheville, supports giving compliance staff more authority to act.

“It’s run down. I don’t know that anyone’s been staying there,” Ehly said. “I’d like to see some improvement. The tax assessments and such just went up. There’s groundhogs living under there, and they’ve come over — I’ve had to set traps.”

PROPOSED ASHEVILLE ORDINANCE AIMS TO TRANSFORM ABANDONED STRUCTURES AMID SAFETY CONCERNS

Vacant buildings along Tunnel Road, including commercial buildings and vacant retail space at Innsbruck Mall, are also on the city’s radar.

Compliance coordinator Chris O’Brien said there’s a gap in the city’s current enforcement tools. As it stands, the city cannot issue violations for abandoned buildings if they are still structurally sound, even if they pose safety concerns.

APRIL 1, 2026 – An abandoned business in Asheville, North Carolina. (Photo: WLOS Staff)

“Our hope is we can create a safe site for the public, whether that means the buildings are boarded up or fully fenced,” O’Brien said.

At the former Mountaineer Inn on Tunnel Road, city crews have completed some exterior cleanup per a judge’s order allowing it. However, city staff says they lack the authority to take further action.

CITY BEGINS CLEANUP OF DEFUNCT MOUNTAINEER INN

News 13 has learned the city has now issued a “Notice of Violation” to the property owners, Radify Asheville LLC, for having an unsafe structure. The owners have 90 days to address the issue. If they fail to comply, the city could step in and board up the property.

Some residents say stronger measures are overdue. In the Montford neighborhood, homeowner James Liner said he supports a tougher ordinance.

“We’re seeing more and more homeless people coming here, and some of them have been in some of these houses,” Liner said. “They need to be either boarded up or fenced around.”

City council members are expected to vote on the proposed ordinance on April 14. Staff says they believe it will pass, noting the council is aware of the safety risks tied to these properties.