Buncombe County

Buncombe County, North Carolina, is located in the western mountains of the state and includes approximately 660 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Buncombe County seat is Asheville, a vibrant city known for its arts scene, historic architecture including the Biltmore Estate, and thriving craft brewery industry. As of the 2020 Census, Buncombe County's population was approximately 269,452, making it one of the most populous counties in western North Carolina. Buncombe County was established in 1791 and named after Colonel Edward Buncombe, a Revolutionary War hero. Major landmarks include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, though technically in adjacent Yancey County), the French Broad River, and the these Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately-owned home. Buncombe County is characterized by its mountainous terrain, progressive culture, and rapidly growing population. Buncombe County Register of Deeds office, located at 94 Coxe Avenue in Asheville, handles land and vital records. Buncombe County Tax Assessor's office, situated at 94 Coxe Avenue as well, manages property valuations and tax assessments. Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court, located at 60 Court Plaza in Asheville, maintains court records and handles various administrative functions. What makes Buncombe County unique is its blend of Appalachian heritage, mountain geography, modern urban amenities in Asheville, and its reputation as a destination for tourists, retirees, and young professionals seeking quality of life in a mountain setting.

• Buncombe County Register of Deeds office, located at 94 Coxe Avenue in Asheville, handles land and vital records.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the arresting agency directly or through written public records requests.
• Processing times for records requests vary but agencies must respond within a reasonable timeframe as required by statute.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process in North Carolina allows for the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release, with the amount set by the court based on the charges and circumstances of the arrest.

• Court records can be searched online through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's public access portal at www.nccourts.gov, which provides case information for both criminal and civil matters.
• Fees for certified copies of court documents are $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, as established by state law.
• Online access is free for basic case information, but certified documents require in-person or mail requests with appropriate fees.

Property records for Buncombe County, North Carolina are maintained by the Buncombe County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Buncombe County.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Processing typically takes 10-15 minutes for walk-in requests if records are on file.
• Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds office and require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
• The fee is $60.00, and there is no waiting period in North Carolina.
• Expedited service is available for additional fees through VitalChek.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Entity formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information are available through this free online system.
• The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 33 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, provides business support services and maintains a member directory at ashevillechamber.org.
• Alcohol beverage permits are processed through the North Carolina ABC Commission.