The City of Asheville's Fee Rebate Program provides a rebate of approximately 50% of building permit, water connection and sewer facility fees associated with the construction of new affordable housing. Depending on the size and design of the unit, the rebate may be as much as $2,000.
Information on how to apply for a fee rebate is available below.
Rebate Example
| Typical Single Family Home with up to 1500 square feet |
Regular Fee* |
Rebate |
| Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical |
$450 |
$225 |
| Grading/Erosion Control |
$175 |
$88 |
| Driveway Access |
$75 |
$37 |
| Water Service Connection |
$2191 |
$1096 |
| MSD (Sewer Facility Fee) |
$1900 |
$1410 |
| Zoning |
$25 |
$13 |
| Total |
$4816 |
$2869 |
Total fees saved on this home: $2,869
*Fees paid will vary depending on project design.
What is the City Definition of "Affordable Housing"?
Note: Maximum sales prices have been eliminated from the HTF definition of affordability. We are currently operating under the following guidelines for fee rebates until a resolution is adopted that will align the two programs.
Housing for sale: New single family or condominium-style units that meet state building code (not manufactured HUD homes) and are priced within the following limits:
| Number of Bedrooms |
Maximum Sales Price |
| 0 - Efficiency |
$115,000 |
| 1 |
$125,000 |
| 2 |
$145,000 |
| 3 |
$160,000 |
| 4 |
$170,000 |
Rental Housing: New housing that is developed with assistance from a local, state, or federal program requiring it to remain affordable for tenants below 80% of median income.
How Do I Apply for a Fee Rebate?
- Pay the regular fees at the start of the project. Keep the receipts.
- When the project is complete, complete the rebate application form. Forms are also available from the Building Safety Department or the Community Development Division.
- Mail the form, the receipts and evidence of affordability to City of Asheville, Community Development Division, P.O. Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802.
- You should receive your rebate within 14 days. There will be separate rebate checks for the City of Asheville fees and the MSD fee.
NOTE: Developers constructing a home as their primary residence are not eligible to apply for a rebate.
Documentation Requirements
To avoid delays in the processing of your application, please ensure that the following documentation is attached to your application:
- Copy of HUD-1 Settlement Statement documenting the final sales price (Homes for sale).
- Evidence of participation in a local, state, or federal program that ensures long term affordability (Rental Properties).
- Copies of all receipts for fees paid during construction.
- Copy of Page 1 of the appraisal or other third party documentation identifying the number of bedrooms in your unit.
Questions and Contact Information
City of Asheville - Community Development
Questions about qualifiying projects
828-259-5728
City of Asheville - Building Safety Department
Questions about permit fees
828-259-5846
Metropolitan Sewerage District
Questions about the MSD Facility Fee
828-251-4781 or email ccardascio@msdbc.org