Asheville Commission Approved New Costco Development
The proposed 40-acre retail facility at Enka Commerce Park moved forward following a successful zoning vote.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Commercial
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The Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission approved the resubmitted application for a new Costco warehouse on October 7, 2026. The project, which was previously withdrawn earlier this year, now heads to the City Council for further consideration.
Why it matters
The development represents a major retail addition for the area, following extensive negotiations between the developer and city officials to address infrastructure and traffic concerns. The project aims to provide significant commercial capacity after a previous iteration was pulled in February.
The proposed facility includes a 32-pump gas station, a tire center, and over 800 dedicated parking spaces. The site spans nearly 40 acres within the Enka Commerce Park.
The players
Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission
This local government body is responsible for reviewing and approving land development applications within Asheville city limits.
Asheville City Council
This elected governing body holds the ultimate authority to approve or deny major development projects in the city.
North Carolina Department of Transportation
This state agency manages the infrastructure and highway systems that are being evaluated for traffic impact in relation to the new commercial development.
The details
The developer worked closely with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to resolve infrastructure challenges that led to the original withdrawal of the application in February 2026. The site plan now features substantial retail infrastructure designed to accommodate high consumer volume.
Timeline
The developer withdrew the previous application in February 2026.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the new application on October 7, 2026.
Asheville City Council will consider the development proposal on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
This development reflects the broader move toward large-format retail centers in Asheville's designated commerce zones. It underscores the city's strategy to balance industrial park usage with the high demand for centralized warehouse-style shopping venues.
Residents can anticipate significant changes to traffic patterns near Enka Heritage Parkway as the project moves toward final approval. The facility is expected to alter local shopping habits by providing a new high-capacity destination for bulk retail and fuel.
The takeaway
The move signals a shift in the local retail landscape as officials continue to navigate the trade-offs between commercial growth and infrastructure capacity. Residents should monitor the upcoming council vote for final confirmation on the project's construction timeline.
What happens next
The Asheville City Council is scheduled to formally consider the development proposal on October 13, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local business development, visit the Asheville Commercial section.
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