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MILLS RIVER
imagine
WELCOME TO IMAGINE MILLS RIVER
MILLS RIVER
imagine
LATEST NEWS
NEXT TRIP: JANUARY 21-22, 2026
Town staff and the consulting team have posted an updated draft zoning map to the Task 4 portion of the documents tab (find it here). This version includes a few changes such as an updated residential district color scheme, inclusion of the Special Flood Hazard Area boundary, and the addition of a new "Rural Mix (RUM)" district that is available for request by landowners with lawfully-established existing mixed uses (like a home and a business) on their lot. There is also an updated existing zoning map that more properly denotes development potential by showing the current MR-MU mixed-use district as red since it is a non-residential district that allows both residential and non-residential use types. The consulting team will be in Mills River on January 21 and January 22. There is a drop-in open house from 6:15PM until 8:30PM on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the Common Room at Town Hall (124 Town Center Drive). There are also two opportunities to schedule your own one-on-one office hours visit with the consulting team on Wednesday, January 21 from 10AM to noon, or on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 10AM until 3PM. 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 January 22 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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