The City of Asheville’s Development Services Department (DSD) reopened the Permit Application Center (PAC) located at 161 S. Charlotte St. for limited in-person customer service on Monday, October 12, 2020.
The Permit Application Center (PAC) is now open to assist customers on Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. All DSD services will also continue to be available online through the Development Portal.
For the safety of customers and staff, the Permit Application Center will operate according to the following protocols:
- No more than 3 customers in the building at a time;
- Customers will follow directions posted outside the building to sign in for service and remain outside of the building until invited in by DSD staff;
- Customers will be required to wear a mask and keep 6’ of social distance from others at all times while inside the DSD building; and
- Customers will be directed to meet with staff in designated areas installed with protective barriers.
Customers without internet access may continue to drop off paper plans using the drop-off box at the north entrance of the building. Customers may also follow protocols listed above to pick up paper copies of issued comments and permits and meet with DSD staff in-person. In-person service will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
These safety protocols are necessary for ensuring safe operations and may result in longer-than-usual wait times for in-person service. For timely and convenient service, DSD recommends that customers access online services through the Development Portal.
Since March, DSD has accelerated the transition to offering all permit services online. Staff has worked remotely to answer customers’ questions, accept and review applications, issue permits and perform safe inspections. Moving forward, DSD will continue to provide dependable service virtually through the Development Portal.
On October 13, DSD also launched virtual 15-minute appointments with staff in the Planning & Zoning, Stormwater and Building Safety divisions to further expand online offerings. To learn more and sign up for a virtual 15-minute appointment, visit the Development Portal.
DSD aims to support the Asheville community at this time by providing customers with safe, accessible and dependable service. Please call the DSD main phone line at 828-259-5846 or email pac@ashevillenc.gov with questions.
