Hurricane Helene FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

FEMA Questions:

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.
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?

  • No. As the Land Development Code is currently written, those uses are not allowed in those districts. You may place a modular on the property according to the code. If you live in R3 or R4, you can place a single-wide as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) as you rebuild your home (or for a permanent home).

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.
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.