Hurricane Helene FAQs (Planning Dept Related)

Frequently Asked Questions

FEMA Questions:

Can I still apply for FEMA?

The deadline for FEMA applications has been extended until March 8^th.

My home isn't "unlivable", should I apply for Individual Assistance (FEMA IA)?

Each person should consider what is best for them and their families without interference from others. One thing to consider is that FEMA legislation is written so that the amount of money appropriated to a disaster area directly correlates to the number of Individual Assistance claims. In the best-case scenario, you would qualify for reimbursement for food lost during the power outage and receive money to repair damages in your home. If you are denied, you can always submit an appeal or make sure you submitted the required documents.

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?

If you were denied assistance from FEMA, there are many resources to help. It's possible FEMA needed a few documents to verify things like home ownership or contact information. Many of us don't answer our phones these days, so it's possible you may have missed them. FEMA has a three-call and text policy. If they cannot reach you after three attempts, they will move on to the next case file. Make sure you fill out the application completely and be on the lookout for an unknown number. If you are unsure if the caller is really from FEMA, let them know and hang up. If it was a true FEMA employee, they will put a note in your file saying they called. This way, you can call FEMA's helpline to see if someone called you.
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.

Will FEMA assess the damage to my home or business?

Yes and no. FEMA is concentrating on the hardest hit areas to conduct structure damage assessments. The County will ensure every structure (taxed as real property) is assessed for damage and that the information is given to FEMA. If you live in Hendersonville City limits, the City will conduct your assessment. These assessments are for reviewing outside damage only. Anyone doing this work on the county's behalf will NOT ask to enter your home. Your home or business may be assessed more than once if it is located in the floodplain. An additional review is required for these properties. Your jurisdiction's Floodplain Manager will conduct this assessment. You are welcome to submit an individual FEMA claim, and a federal inspector may inspect your home to verify the claim.

Do I have to wait for the assessment before I submit a claim to FEMA?

No. You can submit an individual claim to FEMA at any time. Please click this link for more information. FEMA advises folks to take pictures of the damage if possible. This includes interior damage. It may help with any insurance claims as well.

I am not a citizen, but my child is. Can I apply for FEMA Individual Assistance?

Yes. If the parent or guardian of a qualifying child (who lived in the home at the time of the disaster) experiences any needs or their home is damaged, they may apply for IA under the child's name and social security number. This website and this flyer explain who is and isn't eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance.

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.
You may submit an individual claim to FEMA for damaged private roads and bridges. Roads owned by HOAs may not qualify for assistance. The FEMA representative will determine this.

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.

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:
- The County hired a contractor to collect debris placed 4' off the edge of the pavement and in the right-of-way of public and private roads. This process will take time. The contractor is working in grids and will not deviate. FEMA oversees this process to ensure the debris collected is eligible for reimbursement.
- As an individual, you may hire someone to haul the debris and submit an "individual claim" to FEMA to reimburse the cost. You will want to ensure you have photos of the debris, it being hauled, and a copy of your receipt.
- 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 you can get to the right of way (next to the roadway without obstructing traffic, garbage cans, mailboxes or utility structures) 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. There will be multiple rounds of pickup, so you do not have to have all your debris to the right of way immediately.
- 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?

Have storm debris from Hurricane Helene ready for free curbside pickup? You can now report it through this online form. This online form allows residents to describe the type of storm debris and submit photos, which will help plan cleanup efforts.

**Data collected will be shared with debris pickup contractors as they continue to evaluate debris pickup needs. This survey does not constitute a guaranteed timeline of debris pickup.

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.