Mitchell County extends storm-related residential inspection-fee waivers to anniversary date

The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners voted to extend a waiver of building-inspection fees for storm-related residential repairs through the storm's one-year anniversary, Sept. 27, 2025. Board members approved the extension after hearing a staff report on the fiscal impact.

Mavis Salisbury, Mitchell County finance director, told the board the county had deferred $40,956.99 in inspection-fee revenue over the 10 months the waiver had been in effect. "Over the 10 months, we were at that that 40,000 ish mark," Salisbury said. Commissioners discussed whether to extend the waiver to help homeowners who still face repair timing issues because of property or site repairs required before building permits can be closed.

The motion to extend the waiver through the one-year anniversary was moved, seconded and approved; the board did not change commercial or industrial permit fees, which remain chargeable. Board members said the extension was intended for residential projects clearly tied to storm damage and that, beyond that date, applicants may need documentation (for example insurance statements) to demonstrate eligibility for any continued relief.

The vote was procedural and limited to fee waivers; it did not change building code standards or adopt new permitting exceptions. Staff said they would return with any required follow-up details on documentation or the fiscal impact if the board requests further refinement.