Hurricane Helene FAQs (Planning Dept Related)

Frequently Asked Questions

Permit Questions:

Do I need a zoning permit to rebuild or repair a structure? 

• Yes, if you are altering the original building's footprint. The fee is waived if the permit is related to Hurricane Helene storm damage. Internal repairs and matching reconstruction do not require a zoning permit.

Can I put an RV on my property to live in while I'm reconstructing?

• Yes, you can get a zoning permit for an RV with an active building permit.

I live in the R1 or R2 zoning district. Can I place a single-wide one on my property?

• If the disaster impacted your home, yes, you may place/build any type of temporary housing in any zoning district. This would still be subject to county permitting and inspections.

My private road was damaged; do I need a zoning permit to fix it?

• No, you do not need a zoning permit to repair a private road in an established neighborhood. Roads in an active development project (e.g., Tap Root Dairy Subdivision) may require additional review.
• The NC Department of Transportation has created the North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program (NC-PRB), which was established to assist property owners across Western North Carolina with damages from Hurricane Helene. For more information, visit: www.ncdps.gov/Helene/PRB 

My home or business is in the floodplain. Do I need a special permit, and/or do I need to wait to pull permits for rehab/rebuild?

• Yes, after you receive your zoning permit, your plan will be reviewed by the Floodplain Administrator (relevant to your jurisdiction). If the property is more than 50% damaged (substantially damaged), any rehab will be treated as a new build and must comply with current floodplain ordinances. Contact Toby Linville at tlinville@hendersoncountync.gov with any questions.
• Here is some additional assistance for business owners. 

FEMA Questions:

I have a disability and was affected by the storm. Is there any additional assistance?

• A specific type of Individual Assistance is available to those with disabilities. People with disabilities can make their homes more accessible with specific items, such as wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and paved pathways, than they were pre-disaster. This will not count against the federal Housing Assistance maximum. View this site for more information.

FEMA denied my claim. Now what?

• The simplest next step is to file an appeal. If you need assistance filing the appeal, organizations like SBP offer free assistance throughout the appeal process. They will work to ensure you receive the maximum benefit you can qualify for. 
• If you received funding but it isn't enough to cover your damages, FEMA can assist you with "unmet needs." Please review this PDF for more information.

Road Questions:

I live on a state-maintained road that was damaged. How do I know if NCDOT was alerted, and how can I monitor progress?

• You can easily report damage via the tool on NCDOT's website (it's for all types of damage, not just potholes). You may email stoc@ncdot.gov to request updates or call 511.

How do I find out if a road is closed?

• You can view the public road closure map on NCDOT's website. State Highway Patrol and NCDOT informed the County that the Waze app is pretty accurate regarding road closures.

Landslide Questions:

A landslide occurred near my home. Is my home still safe?

• If you have any concerns about your safety, don't wait, seek shelter immediately. Property owners may contact the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to request a site visit from a state geologist. This assessment will give the property owner information regarding the type of landslide and probability of risk, if any. Click this link to request a site assessment or report a landslide.

A slide occurred in the roadway or right-of-way, and debris is present. Who can I contact to pick it up?

• In this scenario, you have a couple of options:
  • Debris placed in the road right-of-way before May 1st will be picked up by the county's contractor. Only debris that FEMA has designated as eligible storm debris will be picked up at no cost to property owners. For an update on debris cleanup or to request expedited removal, contact helene-info@hcem.org.
  • You may also use the dirt for fill or landscaping projects.

Debris Removal Questions:

Is Storm Debris Clean-up/Removal available for property owners?

• Henderson County property owners (unincorporated areas and cities) impacted by Hurricane Helene, have two options for debris removal.  
  • 1 - Right of Way (ROW) Debris Pickup - Debris from your property that was placed in the right of way (next to the roadway without obstructing traffic, garbage cans, mailboxes or utility structures) before May 1, 2025 is being picked up in all areas of the county on an ongoing basis. There is no cost for this debris pickup, and you do not need to apply. 
  • 2 - Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) and Demolition - Owners who cannot take their debris to the right of way (ROW) for pickup and who do not have debris removal insurance or have inadequate debris removal insurance, may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property for FREE through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.

How do I Report Storm Debris for pickup?

No new debris may be placed in the right-of-way (ROW). Only debris that was previously verified by FEMA may be placed in the ROW for pickup. To request debris removal, please email helene-info@hcem.org. 

Emailing the County may expedite pick-up, but the contractor is working within grids. 

Non-Planning Related Questions:

Where do I find information on food, water, and shelter services?

• The County is updating this linked page via Emergency Management for those resources. 

Where can I find legal assistance?

• There are many options, but two free sources of legal help are Legal Aid and Pisgah Legal. If an individual does not qualify for subsidized assistance, their services may require a fee.