When you first start the permitting process to build a home, the first step will be to obtain a physical address for your project (also called an E911 address). This is essential in identifying your project and also in starting the permit process within our permit system. To obtain a physical address you will need to fill out the E911 Permit application form. Please fill the form out in the name of the person who will be obtaining the permits. When you come in and present the E911 application you will also need to provide a site plan showing dimensions of the property, where you want to build on the property, driveway location(s) and if applicable septic system location (or proposed location) along with a survey of the property. Also with commercial projects, if you will be dividing the building into suites or units, an individual address will be required for each suite.
After you receive your physical address, the next step is a visit to the zoning office. Depending where you live you may have to go to your local municipal zoning office in order to obtain a zoning permit. If you live in the County or within the City of Hendersonville, you can obtain your zoning permit in our building. For more zoning information please visit the Henderson County zoning web site.
Now that you have your zoning permit, you will need to have either a septic permit or if on sewer system, a letter or receipt stating that you have a sewer tap paid for or ready to use. To obtain a septic permit you must first apply for it by filling out the Henderson County Septic Application. The final page of this application list the required items needed to apply for a septic permit along with the applicable fees.
Effective October 1, 2007 Henderson County implemented a soil erosion control program. To build in Henderson County (with the exception of the Town of Mills River) you will need to obtain an Erosion Control permit. This is required for all projects in the county. Refer to the Erosion Control web site for further information.
After receiving the Authorization to Construct (ATC) from the Health Department (for septic permits) or you have a paid sewer tap fee or letter of auhorization, you can apply for a building permit. In order to obtain the commercial building permit you will need to submit your commercial building plans to the Permit Center (this is required regardless of the size of the project). You can do this at any time during the above process. On average, commercial building plans take about one week to be approved, large projects can take more time to be approved.
When you are ready to start the project the following items need to be approved or in your possession when you come in:
Approved septic permit or receipt for a sewer tap
Receipt for a water tap
Zoning Permit
Watershed Permit and or SIA Permit (if required)
Floodplain Development Permit (if required)
Approved Commercial Plans (including Appendix B)
Copy of General Contractors license and workmans compensation insurance
Commercial building permit fees are based on the dollar value of the project. For projects that have more than one building, a permit will be required for each building.