To request an exemption, please send an email to business@buncombecounty.org.

In the email include the following information:

• Business name
• Best point of contact
• Email address
• Phone number
• Statement as to the nature of the business and why it should be deemed essential

All lodging facilities, including campgrounds, with rentals or leases for less than one month in duration shall be closed EXCEPT for work-related accommodations, facilities housing persons experiencing homelessness and any facility being used for isolation and quarantine purposes. Current residents at campgrounds are permitted to stay, but campgrounds should not allow new patrons to enter and establish themselves. Current residents at hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts and other short-term rentals are permitted to stay, but these facilities should cancel any leisure travel reservations for the duration of this declaration. Any employees who work for a business or organization deemed essential can stay in any lodging.

According to the recently released supplemental declaration titled Stay Home Stay Safe, all non-essential travel is discouraged at this time. We understand that there are many essential reasons why someone would need to drive between county lines like work, to care for a family member, and to access medical care. We encourage all out of county travelers to practice strict social distancing guidelines, proper hygiene habits, and stay home when sick. All visitors traveling to Buncombe County from areas experiencing community transmission of COVID-19 – notably New York State, Washington State and California – must self-quarantine at their residence upon arrival for 14 days before entering the community.

More information on social distancing and proper hygiene habits, visit cdc.gov.

All Buncombe County Parks are closed until further notice. For more information visit Buncombe County Recreation Services

All Asheville City Parks are closed until further notice. For more information visit Asheville City Parks.

We encourage all residents to enjoy time outside. As long as all residents are practicing social distancing, maintaining proper sanitation, and staying home if you are sick. To learn more about these guideline, please visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov.

All restaurants still offering takeout service in Buncombe County are mandated to follow proper food preparation standards. These guidelines include:

• Continually disinfect frequently-touched surfaces using guidelines provided by the CDC.
• Delegate all staff to have separate responsibilities in order to reduce the risk of transmission and ensure every facility is maintaining proper social distancing practices.
• Employees will package all meal items, (including drink) for customers to reduce the number of people touching items in the facility.
• All staff should be wearing disposable gloves that are changed when employee changes task, gloves are ripped, or gloves become visibly soiled. Hand washing will occur when gloves are changed.