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Air-quality board to seek public comment on extending countystorm-relief permit fee waiver
Summary
The agency will open a 30-day public comment period on joining Buncombe County—fforts to extend a 'Reduce to Rebuild' fee-waiver for eligible demolition and asbestos permits through June 30, 2026; staff said 169 applications were filed in the prior six-month run with 33 meeting criteria and roughly $1,200 in foregone revenue.
The Buncombe County-area air-quality authority voted Feb. 3 to publish a 30-day public notice to consider extending its participation in the county ivide-to-Rebuild/reduced-to-rebuild program for residents affected by storm damage.
Director Ashley told the board the county already extended its program and asked the agency to align its policy so the board would not have to repeat rulemaking each time the county acts. "The county has decided to extend that program until 06/30/2026," Ashley said, adding that the agency saw 169 applications during the prior six-month period, 33 of which met the program criteria and that the local agency—orewent about $1,200 in permit revenue while the program ran.
The director proposed issuing a 30-day public comment period and returning the item for the March board meeting to receive comments and, if appropriate, adopt the extension. Board members discussed timing and refunds for permits issued since Jan. 1; Ashley said staff would not issue refunds but would advise applicants who might choose to wait until the public notice period ends.
The motion to publish the public notice passed by voice vote. The board will gather public comments during the notice period and expects to consider formal adoption at the March meeting if the county maintains its extension.
Why it matters: The program reduces demolition and asbestos permit fees for eligible residents affected by storm Helene, easing some out-of-pocket costs for property repairs. Staff said the fiscal impact to the agency was small in the prior run, but extending the program will require administrative steps including the required 30-day public comment period.
Next steps: Staff will publish the 30-day public notice, collect public comments and return the item to the board at the March meeting with the public record and a proposed adoption if deemed appropriate.
