Guidance for Severely Flooded Areas

If your home or business is located in an area that experienced flooding, the following resources and guidance are intended to help you navigate the clean-up and recovery process. This page will be updated as additional information becomes available.

 

Staying safe after a flood

Additional information can be found on these websites: NCDEQ, FEMA

  • Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing, and boots during clean-up, and wear appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. 
  • People with asthma, other lung conditions, and/or immunosuppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster clean-up work.
  • Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
  • Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid wading in flood water, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

Exposure to mud and mud dust

    • French Broad RiverKeeper, a MountainTrue program, has been testing the water and soil in the RAD and other areas that experienced major flooding. They are awaiting the results of those samples.
    • NC DEQ has also taken samples and is awaiting results. 
    • For now, if you must work near flood water or mud, use a mask, gloves, boots, and protective clothing.

Debris Management

The City of Asheville has contracted with SDR for storm debris removal and management. 

Find more information here.

Mud & Sediment Removal

Find information on mud and sediment removal here.

Reopening Your Business

The City of Asheville’s Development Services Department (DSD) has compiled Tropical Storm Helene Open for Business Guidelines that provides guidance and resources to facilitate a safe return to business operations.

Utilities

Permits

  • Emergency Permits are available from the City of Asheville’s Development Portal at develop.ashevillenc.gov. Visit TS Helene Permitting Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
  • Certificates of Appropriateness (CA) are required for most storm-related repairs to historic properties located in Biltmore Village, Montford, St. Dunstan’s, and Albemarle Park, as well as city and county landmarks. Find more information here.
      • CAs are for compliance with historic district/landmark standards only; they do not cover any other additional permits that may be required.
      • If you aren’t sure if you should apply for a CA, please contact staff. Staff is also available if you need assistance with a site visit, resources for restoration contractors and any other related questions.
  • Buncombe County Establishment Permits
    • Find more information about what is required for a Buncombe County Establishment Permit by reviewing the Open for Business Guidelines provided by the City of Asheville, or by contacting Buncombe County Health and Human Services at 828-250-5016, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • The latest updates from Buncombe County for food service providers can be found here.

Building Damage Assessments

  • A detailed, 360 degree assessment of building damage began on October 17 and is expected to last for several weeks. Buildings have been posted with assessments by this color coding:
    • Green indicates there was Storm Related Damage to a building and occupancy can be immediately re-established
    • Yellow indicates that there are damaged areas of the building that should be avoided but is occupiable within the safe parts of the building 
    • Red indicates that the building is unsafe to occupy
      • Red does not indicate a Condemnation
      • Red does not indicate an order of Demolition
    • If your building didn’t receive storm related damage you won’t be receiving a tag or documentation from our department, you may operate your business as usual.
  • For more information, please contact Development Services:

Rebuilding in the Floodplain – What to Know

The City is actively assessing the process and regulations that will apply to repair and replacement for any infrastructure and buildings in the floodplain. We appreciate your patience as we navigate these complexities. We will provide more information as soon as it is available.

Flood Insurance  

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) uses maps that are available on the Flood Risk Information System to support their program. Every community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program has a floodplain administrator who works with FEMA and other local, state and federal staff to coordinate review of assessed damages, and review of development applications in the flood hazard areas. Flood Hazard areas are illustrated in the maps on the Flood Risk Information System. The City’s floodplain administrator within the Public Works Stormwater Division is working with FEMA to better understand any next steps, which may or may not include re-mapping the region’s flood hazard areas.   

Recovery Grants & Relief

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has set up a Business Recovery Center at the Asheville Visitor Center (36 Montford Avenue), open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also make an appointment with a Small Business Administration representative. More information about the center can be found on this flier or at the Mountain Strong for Business Recovery Webpage here. 

ArtsAVL has provided a list of resources including grants and other support for artists and arts organizations. 

The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County is offering grants from $500 – $5,000 with a focus on properties roughly 50 years or older, with a special priority placed on helping people stay in their homes. Find more information here.

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and Asheville Downtown Association are hosting regular information sessions to support business recovery efforts. 

City staff are currently reviewing additional opportunities to bring in technical assistance and grants that could help residents and businesses, including artists, along the entire Swannanoa and French Broad areas. This could include special kinds of assistance for those in historic buildings as well as artists.

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