FREE Private Property Debris Removal & Demolition Program begins in Black Mountain
Through an interlocal agreement between Buncombe County and the Town of Black Mountain, a FREE Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program has been launched. This program is designed to assist qualified property owners who are unable to move Helene disaster debris to the Right of Way (ROW) for pickup and who lack adequate debris removal insurance. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.
Visit the Buncombe County website for complete information: buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=21861
Overview and How to Apply
Qualified private property owners may apply for the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The application and intake process is being administered by Tetra Tech. Once the work is verified as eligible, the work will be overseen by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
To see if you qualify and to obtain the necessary forms , visit one of the PPDR application centers across Buncombe County. In Black Mountain, the Tetra Tech intake location is the Black Mountain Library, 105 N Dougherty Street, from 8am-5pm Wednesday through Saturday.
If you’re a Black Mountain resident and you’ve previously applied for this program at a different location in Buncombe County, you do NOT need to reapply.
What types of debris and demolition ARE eligible?
The following types of debris and demolition services are covered under the PPDR Program:
Hazardous Debris Removal: This includes hazardous limbs, trees, or other mixed debris caused by Hurricane Helene that are near commonly used or maintained areas of a property.
Waterway Debris Removal: Debris impacting a waterway.
Demolition and Removal of Unsafe Structures: Structures that pose health hazards, are deemed unfit or unsafe, are beyond repair, or are at risk of collapse, including concrete slabs.
What types of debris and demolition ARE NOT eligible?
The following are not eligible for the PPDR Program:
Vacant or Unimproved Properties: Debris on vacant lots, unimproved land, or areas not regularly maintained.
Agricultural Land: Debris on land primarily used for agricultural purposes, including crops or livestock grazing.
What is a Right of Entry (ROE) form, and why is it needed to participate in the PPDR Program?
Before contractors can access private property for PPDR or demolition, all property owners must sign a Right of Entry (ROE) form. This form grants legal permission for contractors to enter the property to perform debris removal and/or demolition services.
Additional Information about Right of Entry (ROE)
Voluntary Participation: Signing the ROE form is voluntary. You can withdraw from the program at any time before debris removal or demolition begins on your property.
Ownership Documentation: If the private property in question is held in a trust, the authorized trustee must sign the ROE and provide trust documentation.
Deceased Owners: If one of the property owners has passed away, a death certificate must be submitted.
Questions? Contact the Town of Black Mountain at 828-419-9300, option 5, from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, or send an email to recovery@tobm.org.
