The Unified Development Ordinance requires that developments obtain a grading permit to help insure measures are taken to prevent erosion/sediment/pollutants from leaving your development site during grading and construction.
A grading permit is required for all development. Depending on the type of development proposed, complete the grading section of one of the two following permit applications (requires Adobe Reader):
No permit is necessary if grading less than 500 square feet.
If the disturbed area is 500 square feet but less than 10,000, a sketch plan must be submitted for review with the permit application showing the disturbed area and the proposed erosion control measures. If the disturbed area is 10,000 square feet or larger, three sets of grading plans must be completed by a professional civil engineer and submitted for review with permit application. Four sets of plans are required if the disturbed area is one acre or larger.
Grading Permit Fee
When submitting the City of Asheville permit application, please include the processing fee that applies to you. The amount of the fee is dependent on the square feet of the disturbed area.
After the grading and erosion control review has been completed and the plans are approved, a permit package will be issued so that erosion control measures can be installed and then the grading can begin. To receive the permit package by e-mail, complete the Request to Receive Approved Grading/Erosion and/or Driveway Permits by E-mail form (requires Adobe Reader) and include it with the permit application. Please read the terms and conditions listed on the form to determine eligibility to receive package by e-mail.
During the grading and construction process, there will be periodic inspections to check that the erosion control measures are being maintained on Level II or higher development projects. Go to the Development Services page to help determine the level of your proposed development project.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the following documents:
City of Asheville Single Family Permit Application
City of Asheville Commercial Permit Application
Request to Receive Approved Grading/Erosion and/or Driveway Permits by E-mail Form
Contact Information