Many of you know the amount of backlog we have had in our septic permit issues. Trust me buyers – they’re a good thing for you, especially if you aren’t planning on building right away. The Cherokee County Health Dept. has made a pain for most of us, but for the standard buyer, you can turn it to your advantage. Sellers- you need to apply for a permit as soon as you put your property on the market.
Either way, here are some interesting numbers I think you need to know to see what’s occuring:
| Total Applications Received | Improvement Permits Issued | |
| January | 171 | 113 |
| February | 190 | 109 |
| March | 109 | 171 |
| April | 210 | 91 |
| May | 265 | 129 |
| June | 49 | 140 |
| Total Year | 1,079 | 869 |
As a total, you can see where more permits are requested than issued. We’re still 6 months out, but you still have the alternative. Soil Scientists are a good alternative in the Murphy (Cherokee County) area. There’s been a state law applied where a permit can be issued by a soil scientist instead of just through the health dept. In fact, I just received a permit in about 2 weeks! Ask me how and I’ll be happy to tell you the process and who to talk to.
John Michael Poltrock – REMAX Properties – Murphy, NC – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnP@remax.net