Electronic Plan Review Update

As part of Buncombe County’s 2025 Strategic Plan, Permits & Inspections and Planning & Development are implementing a phased rollout of electronic plan review for permitting. The first phase of this implementation began in January 2021.

Building and Planning Permit Review is Moving Online

Phase One (Complete):

• Planning & Development implemented a new permit case type called ‘Site Plan review’ (SPR) for all permit types (commercial and residential, etc.). Any development where there is new construction, or changes to the footprint of an existing structure now requires an SPR. The SPR permit must be approved prior to applying for your building permit.
• All commercial building plans must be submitted to the Building Permit Department in an electronic format, and will be reviewed using electronic plan review software.

Phase Two (Beginning March 25, 2021):

• The requirement that SPR permits and commercial building plans be submitted through the Development & Permits Portal OR in person at 46 Valley Street. Site Plan Permit applications will not be accepted through email to planninginfo@buncombecounty.org after April 1, 2021.

• Please register for an account on the Buncombe County Development Permits and Licensing portal. Registration is required before submitting applications on our website.

Find updates on this process at buncombecounty.org/permits.