Reduce to Rebuild program in Buncombe County, N.C.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Nearly nine months since Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, Buncombe County’s government says it’s reducing the cost of fees tied to permitting and planning to help the area rebuild.

The county earlier this month launched the Reduce to Rebuild program, which offers 50% reductions on planning and permitting fees for residents repairing or rebuilding homes damaged by the hurricane. It runs through Dec. 31, 2025, and aims to help storm survivors by reducing costs the county controls during the recovery process.

“We are excited that Commissioners approved a permit fee reduction for individuals that sustained damage from Helene,” said Bob Haynes, permits and inspections director for Buncombe County. “By doing so, we are hoping those that have not yet obtained permits for repair or rebuild will do so before the end of the year and before work has started. And we encourage those that currently have work in progress, verify the contractor obtained a permit, and verify the contractors are properly licensed.”

The fee reduction applies only to primary residences that sustained hurricane damage. A primary residence is defined as a dwelling where the occupant is registered to vote, uses the address on federal and state tax returns, has the address listed on a driver’s license or car registration, or has the address on file with the U.S. Postal Service.

Eligible homes must be residential dwellings within Buncombe County boundaries that have been documented by a county or Federal Emergency Disaster Agency Damage Assessment with a rating of destroyed, major, moderate, or minor.

The program covers permits applied for between June 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025. It does not apply to home expansions or fees relating to homeowner recovery and lien agents.

Fee reductions will apply across multiple departments, including planning, permits and inspections, air quality, and onsite/wastewater services. Covered permits include residential additions and renovations, retaining walls, water supply watershed permits, demolition and renovation permit reviews, and existing system inspections.

Residents seeking more information about the program or wanting to check eligibility can contact the county’s Permits and Inspections Department.

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