County Board approves fee reductions for permits and inspections effective immediately

The Asheville Buncombe Air Quality Board held a special meeting on June 17, 2025, to discuss recent changes to permit fees and the public response to these adjustments. The meeting followed a previous vote by the county in May to implement fee reductions for permits and inspections related to planning and environmental health, which took effect on June 1.

During the meeting, it was noted that the board had a 30-day public notice requirement for rule-making, which was fulfilled with a public notice issued on May 14. The comment period for public feedback closed on June 13, but no comments or inquiries were received from the public regarding the proposed fee changes.

Board members discussed the logistics of implementing the fee reductions, emphasizing collaboration with county IT to ensure a smooth transition. The permits will be verified through property damage assessments or FEMA databases to facilitate the fee adjustments.

A key point of discussion was the handling of fees collected at the previous rate. It was clarified that if the board voted to approve the fee reductions during the meeting, the new rates would take effect immediately. However, no refunds would be issued for fees paid between June 1 and the approval date, although inquiries could be made regarding this policy.

The board also addressed the context of these changes, referencing a hurricane relief bill that previously suspended fees from early October to December 31. The current fee reductions are set to sunset on December 31, eliminating the need for further board action at that time.

Overall, the meeting focused on ensuring that the new fee structure is effectively communicated to the public and that applicants are aware of the potential for reduced fees. The board aims to streamline the application process while maintaining transparency and responsiveness to community needs.