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MILLS RIVER
imagine
WELCOME TO IMAGINE MILLS RIVER
MILLS RIVER
imagine
LATEST NEWS
Next Public Forum Scheduled for March 10, 2026
The consulting team will be in Town on Tuesday, March 10 through Thursday, March 12 to unveil the draft UDO document text and share the latest version of the draft zoning map. The open house is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10th at the Mills River Elementary School Gym at 94 School House Road from 6:30PM - 8:30PM. Participants will have a chance to ask questions, see the latest draft zoning map, see the document text, schedule an office hours visit with Town staff and the consultants, and hear about the balance of the project schedule between March 10th and the end of June, 2026. There are also two opportunities to schedule your own one-on-one office hours visit with the consulting team on Wednesday, March 11 from 1-5 from 1PM until 5PM, or on Thursday, March 12 from 10AM until 2PM. Office hours visits are 30 minutes each. Please contact Town staff at 828-890-2901 to schedule your office hours appointment. All office hours visits take place in the Common Room at Town Hall.
There will also be a project update presentation to Town Council during their regular meeting on March 12 at 6:30PM.
PROJECT GOALS
Imagine Mills River is a project to create the Town’s first unified development ordinance (or “UDO”). A UDO controls the type and location of development as well as the rules for new development to follow. It controls features like landscaping, exterior lighting, open space, parking, housing density, and many others. The main goal of the UDO is to promote the public’s health, safety, and general welfare. It is also an important tool for protecting community character and the Town’s agricultural heritage. The UDO includes the Town’s zoning map, or the geographic distribution of uses like homes, businesses, roads, and parks.
While the Town already has a set of development regulations, and has been considering changes to those rules through projects like the recent Rural Residential Zoning District initiative, the main reason for the Imagine Mills River project is to implement Making Mills River, the Town’s comprehensive plan, which was adopted in 2021.
The following are the key project goals for Imagine Mills River:
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Protecting rural character.
Implementing the Town's adopted land use policy guidance (like Making Mills River).
Preserving farms and agricultural activity.
Identifying the optimal location for new homes, businesses, and open space.
Protecting sensitive natural environments (like waterways, steep slopes, and habitat).
Providing an adequate range of housing choices for people of all ages and incomes.
Promoting sustainable development and property values.
PROJECT SCHEDULE
This graphic shows the draft project schedule. It includes 7 tasks to be completed by June of 2026.
HOW TO USE THIS SITE
This webpage is a source for details about the Imagine Mills River project, the new UDO, and how to get involved with the project.
LEARN
ASK
FIND
PARTICIPATE
This VIDEO provides details on the project goals, scope, schedule, and other aspects.
The FAQ tab is a place to find answers to your questions about the project and pose new ones for the project team to consider.
The DOCUMENTS tab is a place for current Town documents and draft work products prepared as a part of the Imagine Mills River project.
The PARTICIPATE tab describes the times and places where you can ask questions, provide input, and get more detailed information.
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