Starting on Nov. 19, Buncombe County property owners (unincorporated areas and cities) impacted by Hurricane Helene, who do not have debris removal insurance, may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property at no cost through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.
What is eligible in the PPDR program?
- Removal of hazardous limbs, trees, or other mixed debris caused by Hurricane Helene that is near a commonly used area or maintained areas of a property.
- Removal of debris impacting a waterway.
- The demolition and removal of a structure that is a health hazard, deemed unfit/unsafe, and may not be recoverable, or is in threat of collapse. This may include concrete slabs.
What is NOT eligible under the program?
- Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property, and unused or unmaintained areas.
- Debris on land used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as land for crops or livestock.
A Right of Entry (ROE) form, signed by all property owners, is legally required before contractors providing PPDR and/or demolition can access the owner’s private property. A right-of-entry is a voluntary document. Your land is private, and it is your decision to grant access. You may withdraw from the program at any time prior to the start of debris removal or demolition activities on your property.
To see if you are eligible for debris removal or demolition of unsafe structures on your property, visit one of the PPDR application centers across the county opening starting on Tuesday, Nov.19:
- Asheville Mall, 3 South Tunnel Road (same location as the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center), Asheville – daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Barnardsville Fire Department Station 15, 100 Dillingham Rd., Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Swannanoa Fire Rescue, 510 Bee Tree Road, Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fairview library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview, Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ONLINE:
Click here for the online application.
Have these documents available when you apply:
- A copy of your insurance policy and proof/statement of loss from the company (if insured)
- A color copy of your driver’s license or valid U.S. government-issued ID (such as a passport)
- Proof of ownership such as a warranty deed, tax assessment, etc.
Hurricane Helene created an estimated 10 million cubic yards of debris in Buncombe County. Debris removal will be a lengthy process and we appreciate everyone’s collaboration as we begin to clean up our homes and communities.
For more information on the PPDR and other debris questions, call the One Buncombe hotline, 828-250-6100, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and select option “2.”